(May 10) Justin Bernier, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in the 5th District, ended the pre-convention reporting period with a fundraising advantage of more than 50 percent over his principal GOP competitor.
“The reports are in,” campaign manager Mike Lukach said, “and I’m happy to report that Justin has a 50 percent lead in cash on hand after debt over his principal competitor in the 5th District race.”
Bernier ended the period with $237,723 on hand after debt, compared to $157,390 for Sam Caligiuri of Waterbury.
“Justin is staying ahead of the competition by being fiscally responsible with every dollar he raises,” Lukach added. “Our strategy now is to bank the most money – not spend the most.”
Republican candidates for U.S. Congress were required to file their latest finance reports to the Federal Elections Commission by May 9.
Bernier is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and a former member of Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s cabinet. Unlike many congressional candidates, he has a background in both economics and national security. He and his wife Jennie live in Plainville.