Raimondo Maintains Big Fundraising Lead In Q4; Survey Puts Approval At 40 Percent

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo maintained her huge financial advantage over gubernatorial rivals in fourth-quarter fundraising, with a balance of $3,349,632 towering over the comparable amount ($240,572) for the closest competitor, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung.

Raimondo has proven an exceptional fundraiser since she entered politics with a 2010 run for state treasurer.

Yet a new Morning Consult survey showed Raimondo with a 47 disapproval rate -- compared to a 40 percent approval rate -- suggesting a competitive re-election fight. Raimondo, who won election as governor by defeating Fung in 2014, has not reached an approval rating of 50 percent in publicly available polling in recent years.

Yet the Democratic governor's cash stockpile indicates she will have plenty of money to support her campaign. Raimondo collected $562,000 in contributions from individuals during Q4.

Read more: http://ripr.org/post/raimondo-maintains-big-fundraising-lead-q4-survey-puts-approval-40-percent