Bysiewicz Focusing her Resources on the Primary

By Daniela Altimari On August 7, 2012 · 1 Comment

The latest finance report filed by the U.S. Senate campaign of Susan Bysiewicz documents some interesting maneuvering by the Democratic candidate.

Bysiewicz recently returned thousands of dollars in contributions earmarked for the general election, not the primary. But in several cases, the campaign accepted the equivalent, amount designated for the primary, from someone with the same last name and address.

For instance, on July 19, the campaign refunded a $2,500 contribution earmarked for the general election from Gerald DesRoches of Coleman Road in Wethersfield. Four days later, the campaign accepted a $2,500 check earmarked for the Aug. 14 Democratic primary from Katrina DesRoches of Coleman Road in Wethersfield.

There are at least four other instances of a general election donation being returned and a contributor with the same last name and address donating the same amount for the general election.

There’s nothing illegal about the practice, as long as the new donor is using their own money. “It’s not the same money, said Bysiewicz campaign manager Jonathan Ductote.

He said the campaign is simply telling supporters that the best way to help now is to give money that can be used for the primary. Bysiewicz is vying with U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy for the Democratic nomination. The winner will be decided next Tuesday and the winner will face the Republican nominee, either Christopher Shays or Linda McMahon.

“We’re making sure we are using our resources for the primary,” Ducote said. “We’ll worry about the general election on Aug. 15.”