Flanagan fundraises, spends more campaign money than Knuuttila

By Owen Boss

State Rep. Jennifer L. Flanagan, D- Leominster, exceeded opponent Brian Knuuttila in both fundraising and spending, according to finance reports released as the two Democratic candidates approach a primary election next week. According to the reports submitted to the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, Ms. Flanagan raised $87,170.77 during her campaign compared to $61,698 for Mr. Knuuttila. The campaign finance reports also showed that of those funds, Ms. Flanagan had spent $73,601.26 by the end of August, and Mr. Knuuttila had spent $39,942.23 over the same time span. Among the key differences in the finance reports were the sources of funding for the two candidates. Mr. Knuuttila appeared to rely heavily on community donations and Ms. Flanagan, who also obtained substantial contributions from the community, was able to gather a number of larger donations from her constituents on Beacon Hill. “Most of my contributions are from people living in the district,” said Mr. Knuuttila. “I am not the established candidate this time around, so I am not going to get the same amount of help from special interest groups that my opponent has taken.” Ms. Flanagan, who was able to receive contributions from Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D- Amherst, and Worcester County Register of Deeds Kathleen Reynolds Daigneault, said she received money from many different sources. “Residents are certainly donating what they can during these tough economic times and some of the people contributing higher amounts are people I work with and who know how diligent I will work to represent this district,” said Ms. Flanagan. “When you look at these reports you will see that the money comes from a large variety of people, some donate $10, some want to donate $500 and I appreciate every donation I receive.” Both candidates have comparable remaining funds, with Mr. Knuuttila posting an ending balance of $23,392.35 and Ms. Flanagan left with $20,517.65 in her campaign account. “Most of our remaining funds are going to be spent on various newspaper ads and additional mailings,” said Mr. Knuuttila. “And we still have money coming in from people who believe in our candidacy.” Ms. Flanagan said the majority of her remaining funds will be spent on voter outreach. “I think if you look at the report, the majority of the money we spent went to postage and postage is a large part of any campaign,” said Ms. Flanagan. “We will continue mailing and as it is in the course of any type of campaign, it continues to be an effort to outreach to voters.” The candidates will engage in a debate tonight at Fitchburg State College and residents of the district will vote in the Democratic primary Sept. 16. The winner of the primary will face Leominster Councilor Claire M. Freda, who is running in November as an unenrolled candidate. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 9/11/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 215)