Financing the Governor: Daggett Receives Few Cranford Contributions

Independent gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett pulled in $2,850 in donations from Cranford residents for the 2009 general election, lagging far behind Republican Gov.-Elect Chris Christie and just behind Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine.

Christie received $14,450 in contributions, while Corzine .

State campaign finance records show that Daggett, a former state and federal environmental protection official, brought in $2,850 from town residents this year. His donations include a maximum amount of $2,500 from Anne Eastbrook on Birchwood Avenue. Corzine also received a $2,500 donation from a Cranford resident, however Christie dominated with three $3,400 contributions.

Daggett, considered the most serious independent candidate for governor in 12 years, received four donations from Cranford, a fraction of what Christie pulled in and around half of what Corzine received from town residents.

With the exception of Eastbrook's donation, Daggett's support in town came in the form of donations $200 and less. On a statewide level, Daggett was one of the only independent candidates to qualify for public matching funds for the campaign. Daggett finished third statewide, and third in town, behind Christie and Corzine.

Cranford donations to Independent gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett

David Desrochers of Columbia Avenue, member of Cranford's Environmental Commission and Green Team, Cranford Patch photo freelancer: $50
Anne Eastbrook of Birchwood Avenue, works for Elberon Development Company, same company that : $2,500
Laurie Pringle of Walnut Avenue: $200
Douglas Schneller of North Union Avenue: $100

Total: $2,850

There is no record of any Cranford-based company contributions.

Editor's Note: This is the third of a three part series looking at local donations in the governor's race.