The two leading candidates for the Republican gubernatorial nomination filed for addition public funds with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission today.
Former U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie reported raising $137,322, which could bring him additional matching fund of $274,644. Former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan reported $69,820 in new contributions. The Lonegan campaign estimates that if fully matched, they will receive an additional $139,640 in public funds.
Christie, who has made one previous filing, has already received $760,160 in public financing. Lonegan has received $553,841 in public funds from his three other filings.
None of the other five Republicans running for Governor — Assemblyman Rick Merkt (R-Mendham), Franklin Mayor Brian Levine, Morris County Freeholder James Murray, inventor David Brown or Newark businessman Dennis Knight — have qualified for matching funds.
The Democratic incumbent, Jon Corzine, is self-financing his campaign and will not take public funds. Corzine's primary challenger, former Glen Ridge Mayor Carl Bergmanson, has not qualified.
