Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor, acknowledged his money woes earlier this month after the state’s public campaign finance board denied him millions of dollars in potential public matching money for his underdog campaign.
It was all attributed to a paperwork issue.
What You Need To Know
NY1 obtained an exclusive look at campaign contributions to Bruce Blakeman not yet filed with the state
The Republican candidate’s campaign will be in court on Friday
A review of his filing appears to show Blakeman met the two criteria to reach public matching funds
He is now suing, and the campaign is expected in court on Friday.
NY1 has obtained an exclusive accounting of his recent donations. It is donations that have not yet been filed publicly with the state’s Board of Elections.
NY1’s review shows Blakeman would most likely meet the threshold to receive public money if the board reversed its decision — or was forced to in court.
In order for a candidate for governor to qualify for matching funds, he or she must meet two criterias: raise $500,000 in matchable contributions of $250 or less and receive more than 5,000 donations from New Yorkers.
After reviewing the donations provided to NY1, Blakeman appears to have met both thresholds. According to NY1’s review, he has received at least $504,954 in matchable donations from at least 6,777 New Yorkers.
NY1’s examination also shows Blakeman may have raised some cash from across the country, but the bulk of it is much closer to home.
“There is certainly going to be more than one event on Staten Island for raising funds for Bruce so people should look for that in their filings,” Joe Borelli, a former Republican member of the City Council, said.
He is raising money from some big names on Long Island, like from former Trump communications director Anthony Scaramucci.
NY1’s review found Blakeman has accepted cash from some real estate developers who received tax breaks in Nassau County, approved by a board whose members are nominated by the candidate in his role as county executive.
That includes leaders of B2K Development, which gave a combined $54,000 to Blakeman’s gubernatorial campaign.
A spokesman for the developer sent NY1 a statement saying, in part: “B2K Development partners have known County Executive Blakeman for decades. They have witnessed his leadership in government disciplines that range from public safety to economic development. Their donations reflect their respect for that work and his commitment to public service.”
Blakeman’s team said those tax breaks are approved by an “independent body” not the county executive.
“I need you to help me or support me financially. We got to get our message across to everybody. I face a hostile media,” Blakeman told a crowd at an event posted on Instagram earlier this month.
The Republican candidate is at a real disadvantage in the race for campaign cash compared to Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has outraised him 14 to 1.
This means he may be making some unorthodox promises on the campaign trail, as seen at an event earlier this month.
“And when I’m governor, one of the first things I’m going to do is open a trade and cultural center in Beirut so we have a partnership with the Lebanese people and Lebanese Americans,” he is seen telling the crowd. “God bless you all and God bless America!”