A widening financial gap

Heading into the final six weeks before the May 18^th gubernatorial primaries, Republican Tom Corbett and Democrat Dan Onorato have a substantial advantage over their opponents, when it comes to financial resources.

Campaign finance reports filed with the Department of State show Corbett raised $1.7 million last quarter, and has $4 million to spend before the primary.

Onorato has a $6.7 million campaign war chest. That will help him purchase significantly more television ads than his Democratic opponents, who have much more limited bank accounts. Onorato is the only candidate on the airwaves right now, though he’ll be joined by Philadelphia Senator Anthony Williams, who has about $1.5 million on hand, next week.

Auditor General Jack Wagner’s campaign has about $673,000 in the bank, while Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel’s campaign has just more than $101,000 to spend. All the Democrats have low statewide name recognition, so Onorato’s money may allow him to gain a leg up on his opponents, when it comes to building a higher profile with voters.

On the Republican side, Corbett has substantially more money than his opponent, State Representative Sam Rohrer. The Rohrer campaign raised $172,000  last quarter, but has just $7,000 on hand.