BOSTON (AP) — Republican Gov. Charlie Baker hasn’t officially declared his 2018 re-election campaign yet, but that hasn’t stopped him from raising money at a ferocious clip.
As of the beginning of October, Baker reported having more than $6.5 million in his campaign account.
By contrast, former Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick had just $490,000 in his re-election campaign account at the same point during his first term in office, according to an Associated Press review of campaign finance records.
Baker’s Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito has another $3 million for her campaign, giving the Republican team more than $9.5 million.
Democratic challengers are also nowhere close to Baker on the fundraising front.
Jay Gonzalez had $50,000 in his account as of Oct. 1. Setti Warren had $36,000. And Robert Massie had just $18,000.