Marty Connor Raises a Lot Less Than His Challenger [updated]

Dan Squadron is 28 years old, has never held a public office, and has already raised $205,153.33 in his bid to challenge 30-year incumbent Marty Connor for a state Senate seat, according to the most recent campaign filings.

Connor’s numbers haven’t been posted online yet, but I’m told he’s raised less than $5,000.

When I asked his consultant Evan Stavisky, he told me Connor “hasn’t started fund-raising. He’ll raise and spend whatever it takes to successfully defend his seat."

Connor’s campaign closed their July 2007 filing $38,217.60 in debt (although Connor says it was an accounting error).

"Sen. Connor is working hard on behalf of his constituents and doing the job they elected him to do," said Stavisky in an email. "His priority right now is improving New York’s schools, ensuring access to quality health care, and expanding affordable housing for working people. While his opponent focuses on petty, partisan political posturing, Sen. Connor is focused on effectively representing the people of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn."

Squadron, a former aide to one-man-fund-raising-juggernaut Chuck Schumer, has spent $16,271.33 and now has $188,882.00 on hand.

Among Squadron’s notable contributors are major Democratic fund-raiser Alan Patricof ($250), former Schumer spokeswoman Risa Heller ($250) and current Schumer spokesman Josh Vlasto ($50).

UPDATE: Squadron called me just now with a response to Staviksy’s comment above. "If by calling me partisan, Marty Connor means I would not have stood with Governor Pataki to kill the commuter tax, he’s got a point."