Merrill Invites Challenge With Lethargic Fundraising.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill may want to take note that deference in politics has taken a long holiday. The two term Democratic incumbent’s fundraising results suggest she is not putting much effort into the task. In a year when the statewide primary ballot will be crowded with challenges, challenging Merrill will seem like just one more contest. The former state representative has raised a paltry $30,000 since the formal beginning of her re-election campaign last summer. That suggests loyal donors from her previous campaigns have not been contacted or are ready for a change.

Plenty of Democrats would not mind taking a crack at an easy job if it looks like they may face a weary incumbent.