Herbst Takes Fundraising Victory Lap–But Reveals No Numbers. Mom is Proud.

Excitable aspiring Hartford insider Tim Herbst, the Trumbull first selectman who won a narrow re-election in 2015, is well-pleased with his fundraising take in the first quarter of the year. Herbst is exploring a race for statewide office. Herbst’s Facebook enthusiasm for his quarterly take did not includes a hint of how much he raised. His mom joined him on Facebook to let him know how proud of him and his team she is. Whatever the number, who can ask for more than that?

Expect cagey candidates to start revealing fundraising numbers as a part of their early strategy in the crowded field of gubernatorial hopefuls. Readers will want to remember that candidates maintaining the pretense of exploring a candidacy for governor are permitted to accept a maximum contribution of $375 per donor. Only $100 of that amount counts in reaching the magic $250,000 in small contributions required to received public financing for governor. That $250,000 mark has frustrated many candidates who have had trouble finding 2,500 supporters willing to pony up $100 each.