Bacchiochi's Campaign for Lt. Gov Raises $72,000

The campaign for a Somers Republican who is exploring a 2014 run for lieutenant governor has raised over $72,000.

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi's exploratory committee, Penny for CT, raised $54,320 between the Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 filing period, according to State Election and Enforcement Commission filings. 

In total, the exploratory committee has raised $72,133, most of which came from individual contributions, the SEEC document states. The committee has spent $37,272 leaving $34,860 on hand.

Bacchiochi, a Republican, has been representing both Somers and Stafford in the General Assembly since 2002. She announced in March 2013 she was forming the exploratory committee. She told Patch at the time, "All of our focus has to be on changing the direction of the state of Connecticut."

"The next administration has to make the budget, jobs and economy the top priority," Bacchiochi said. 

She needs to raise $375,000 to qualify for public financing, CTNewsJunkie.com reported. Her only other GOP opponent right now is David Walker, the former U.S. comptroller general under presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Hearst newspapers first reported last week.

Bacchiochi, 52, owns a small real estate and property management company, and holds a Connecticut real estate brokers license.