Politics & Government

Boughton Takes Aim at Public Financing

Boughton hoping public funding and social media will help him win the governor's seat.

When Danbury Mayor Mark Bougton announced his first steps towards running for governor, he mentioned public financing.

Boughton explained the process, and said the process alone helps a candidate decide whether or not to go forward in the race.

Boughton needs 2,500 people to give $100 each, or 5,000 people to give $50, or other multiples, to prove he can raise $250,000. That will allow him to qualify for another $1 million in public funds for the primary election, and if he succeeds, another $6 million for the general election.

"It sounds easy, but it's really, really difficult," Boughton said.

Boughton is counting on his skills in social media for a boost.

Boughton, whose Twitter presence earned him international acclaim this year, said he expects to use social media to both communicate with people and help raise campaign funds.

Already, he's created a Facebook page, "Mark Boughton For Connecticut," and he'll be plugging away on his existing Twitter account, "MayorMark" which he pointed out Wednesday has nearly 12,000 followers. Boughton has also set up a website to take in donations.


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