Lesser Raises $26k for Any Open Office Bid. Rapini Brings in $21k for SOTS Run.

State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) took in $26,000 between August 13th and September 30th, the end of the fundraising quarter. Lesser, who left Wesleyan University to devote his efforts to Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign, is seeking an undetermined office.

State Democrats will have several serious prospects for secretary of the state. Incumbent Democrat Denise Merrill is not seeking a fourth term. While other prospects are willing to commit to the race, Lesser is hedging until State Comptroller Kevin Lembo indicates if he will seek a fourth term.

Lesser’s haul includes contributions from more than a dozen lobbyists. Odd since Lesser can work himself into a lather over special interests.

Republican Dominic Rapini is unambiguous. He’s running for secretary of the state. He raised $21,000 in his first seven weeks as a candidate. His contributors include Bob Stefanowski, the 2018 Republican nominee for governor. Stefanowski is expected to launch a second bid for governor later this year.

Republican consultant Brock Weber is also running for secretary of the state.

The last Republican to be elected secretary of the state was Pauline Kezer. She defeated incumbent Democrat Julia Tashjian in a 1990 rematch.