Dennis Bradley is Raising Money.

Beleaguered state Senator Dennis Bradley is facing a federal criminal trial in May for campaign finance violations. Bradley’s troubles have not dissuaded the Bridgeport Democrat from seeking a third term. He’s holding his first fundraising event Wednesday at Vazzy’s.

An investigation of Bradley’s 2018 campaign finance practices by the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) revealed myriad violations of state laws governing Connecticut’s generous public financing program. Bradley’s troubles are rooted in a 2018 campaign kickoff event that was allegedly disguised as a law firm appreciation party for clients. The expenses for that event were not reported in mandatory campaign finance reports.

Lessons have not been learned. Bradley’s invitation to Wednesday’s campaign event appears to have been sent from his law firm. The rising-star-to-shooting-star phenomenon is ineligible to participate in campaign public financing because of his previous violations. The maximum contribution to Bradley’s campaign is $1,000.

Bradley is precluded from soliciting lobbyists for contributions while the legislature is in session. Lobbyists are barred from contributing while the legislature is in session.

Published April 19, 2022.