At least one candidate for statewide office will qualify for public campaign financing.
Dean Corren of Burlington, a Progressive candidate for lieutenant governor, announced Wednesday that he has received enough small, individual donations to receive public funding for his campaign.
Corren said in a news release that he has raised more than $18,000 in contributions of $50 or less from 800 Vermonters. Candidates must raise $15,000 from small donations to qualify for taxpayer financing, which would give him up to $50,000 for the primary season and up to $150,000 for the general election (those totals include money raised by the candidate).
“I want to say thank you to everyone for pitching in from all over the state,” Corren said in a statement. “Our campaign will now be fully competitive, and free to focus entirely on the critical issues facing Vermont.”
Corren, a former state representative, is challenging incumbent Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Scott and Democrat John Bauer, who is also seeking to qualify for public funding.
Jessica Falker, a spokeswoman for Bauer, said Wednesday that Bauer is “close” to reaching the $15,000 threshold and was hopeful the campaign could achieve the goal by the deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday.