Political filing $ea$on indicates who has warchests

An excursion into the State Elections Enforcement Commission’s website has a little something for everyone this summer.

How about the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut PAC, which has a balance of $37,300, thanks to a recent fund drive that may indicate the relative attractiveness of the state? Of the nearly $30,000 in fresh contributions, 136 came from members in state and 77 from those living elsewhere. Many have relocated in Florida, Maine, North Carolina and Massachusetts, according to the SEEC.

Among local town committees, Bethel Democrats have $9,093.68 on hand, to the GOP’s $6,535. Bridgeport Republicans have $12,412 on hand, compared to the D’s $7,314. Danbury’s Republican Town Committee has $14,357, to the Dems’ $5,930.

David M. Walker of Bridgeport, the former U.S. comptroller general and the founder of the Comeback America Initiaitive, has formed a PAC called Citizens Working for a Better Bridgeport, which is looking to support General Assembly races next year.

The Connecticut Laborers’ Political League wrote about $85,000 in checks to its national group during the quarter ending June 30, but also gave New Haven Democratic mayoral hopeful Henry Fernandez $1,000; plus $250 to Republican Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, who is up for re-election.

The Milford-based Connecticut Council of Police Unions #15 PAC wrote out a $1,500 check for Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch on May 9.

The Democratic State Central Committee reports less than $315 on hand, compared to the state GOP, with $14,097.24 reported. Democratic State Central Committee Chairman Nancy DiNardo might feel envious to know that the Democratic Women of Westport have $2,639.45 on hand.

Speaker of the House J. Brendan Sharkey has a PAC called the Democratic Leadership Fund. On April 22, it wrote a $1,000 check to Chris Donovan of Meriden, the former speaker who lost a bid for Congress last year in a federal fundraising scandal and is still paying off campaign debts. The PAC also wrote a $1,500 check for Sen. Toni Harp, the Democratic choice be New Haven’s next mayor.