The most recent campaign finance reports in the race for Branford’s next first selectman show Republican Jamie Cosgrove leading Democrat Andy Campbell in dollars raised as the two head into next Tuesday’s general election.
The reports, which cover the period of July 1 through Sept. 30, show Campbell raising $17,633 and Cosgrove raising $21,620. In addition, Pam Knapp, who is seeking the town clerk’s position on the Democratic line, raised $6,928 over the same period. The reports are filed with the state.
If Knapp’s figures were added to Campbell’s, Democrats would be leading in the fundraising arena.
Each candidate incurred expenses over the same time period. Each candidate’s finances are separate from the funds their respective parties raised.
Jacey Wyatt, who is running on her own newly created Independent Branford Voters coalition, says she did not receive contributions or incur expenditures in excess of $1,000 during the three-month reporting period. As a result she is permitted to submit a short form to the state and does not have to list the names of her contributors.
Fundraisers for Campbell and Cosgrove continued to take place after the Sept. 30 deadline. These contributions will become available in the next election reporting cycle, toward the end of the year and after the election takes place.
Both candidates listed funds primarily from local relatives and local individuals. Overall, the individuals listed as donors are those associated with the Republican or Democratic Party.
Marcia Chambers Photo
Cosgrove’s listings show that local businessman Robert Massey, of Massey Glass, and his wife each contributed $1,000 to his campaign. Vincent T. Cacace, a local landscaper, contributed $1,000. Charles Weber Jr., the owner of Wallingford Industries, a Branford pipe and pipe fittings machinery business, contributed $1,000. So did his wife. The Giordano brothers, Vincent and Michael, who own Giordano Construction Co. in Branford, gave a combined amount of $700.
Cosgrove family members contributed as well. Jamie’s Cosgrove’s grandfather, Dan Cosgrove, contributed $1,000. His aunt, Susan Cosgrove Barnes, contributed $1,000. His uncle contributed another $1,000. Cosgrove’s selectman Republican running mate, Joe Higgins, and his wife Angela, each contributed $1,000.
Marcia Chambers Photo
Campbell’s campaign contributions came primarily from local Democrats. He listed one outside business contributor, John Ferrara, an investment banker, from Massachusetts, who contributed $999.99.
Others contributing $1,000 include Victor Casella, former chair of the DTC and a local businessman; and Joshua Brown, an attorney. Charles Weber, a contributor to the Cosgrove campaign, also donated $500 to Campbell’s campaign; his business is in the top five on the town’s grand list.
Ted Kennedy, Jr., who lives in Branford with his family, contributed $250. Kennedy also held a fund raiser for Campbell and Bruce Storm, who is running with Campbell for the Board of Selectmen.
Family members also contributed to Campbell’s campaign, including a South Dakota relative and a sister of Campbell’s wife, Erica, who gave $1,000.
Overall donations to both campaigns in this reporting cycle were overwhelmingly local.
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