Gov. Peter Shumlin over the past two weeks has increased what was already a substantial financial advantage over Republican challenger Scott Milne.
Shumlin collected more than $31,700, spent only $767, and now sits on $1.16 million with only about nine weeks until Election Day, according to a disclosure filed with the secretary of state Tuesday.
Milne, meanwhile, has raised $9,950 since Aug. 15, spent $33,400, and is sitting on about $16,000. The positive balance in Milne’s campaign is thanks only to the $25,000 he loaned his campaign last Friday.
Milne, president and owner of Milne Travel, had previously said he would not be investing any of his own money in his political campaign.
But almost all of Milne’s contributions during this two-week period came from either him, companies in which he has an ownership stake, or his family members. Milne Travel and B&M Realty, where Milne is a principal, each gave $2,000. Four Milne family members contributed another $3,350.
Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, was the top fundraiser this period, and took in more than $46,000. Scott was also the biggest spender, and reported nearly $55,000 in expenditures, $50,000 of which went to the Williston firm, Hen House Media.
Scott now has $114,000 on hand as he looks to fend off a challenge from Progressive/Democrat Dean Corren, who, having qualified for public financing, started out with $200,000 for his campaign.
