Klein raises over $500k

July campaign finance disclosures showed fundraising by state elected officials falling to a 12-year low, according to Capital New York. 

However, state Sen. Jeff Klein appeared to be immune to the trend. He raised $574,199.39 over the past six months.

Mr. Klein, who leads a group of breakaway Democrats, is one of the most successful fundraisers in the state. He raised about $1 million during last year’s Democratic primary race, helping him stave off a challenge from former Councilman Oliver Koppell, who received much smaller donations.

It remains to be seen how Mr. Klein, who did not answer an interview request, will use his war chest. Political insiders tend to think he has ambitions beyond the state Senate.  After factoring in his previous balance and about $200,000 in expenses the past six months (including $1,575 listed as a “sponsorship” for the local Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club), his campaign committee has $1,139,644.45. That leaves Mr. Klein in a strong position both for future races and for helping his legislative pals now. For instance, the senator’s campaign committee wrote a $4,100 check to Assemblyman Carl Heastie shortly after he became speaker of his body.

Mr. Klein’s latest campaign disclosure forms run to dozens of pages. The senator previously said the Simone Development Companies hold an annual birthday fundraising dinner for him. It was not clear if that took place this year, but the powerful developer continued its longstanding support of the senator by giving him $13,000 (through its Hutch Metro Center LLCs).

Riverdale’s other state elected official made a more modest filing this month. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz reported raising $29,710, leaving his campaign committee with a total of $174,491.36. That is on par with the numbers from his previous filings.