Poizner's Deep Pockets Keep Campaign Alive

FrumForum's analysis of California GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner's fundraising reports reveals that Poizner’s personal contributions account for 82% of his campaign’s funds. Despite troubles in the polls, Poizner's personal resources make him Meg Whitman's most serious primary competition.

Poor fundraising numbers indicate that Steve Poizner, California’s insurance commissioner, is struggling to show that he’s a viable candidate in next year’s California GOP primaries. Since July 1^st, Poizner has only been able to raise $268,200, five times less than GOP front-runner Meg Whitman.

Polls have been similarly unkind, with one survey showing Poizner at only five percent and another indicating that he is twenty-five points behind Whitman in a three-way race.

In recent polls, Poizner even lags behind Tom Campbell, who has raised only about $300,000 since the start of the primaries.

FrumForum's analysis of the Poizner campaign’s fundraising reports reveal that, as of the most recent reporting period, Poizner’s personal contributions have accounted for 82% of his campaign’s fundraising.

Despite Poizner’s troubles, a staffer from within the Meg Whitman campaign told FrumForum that Poizner remains their most serious competition, largely due to the wealthy Silicon Valley businessman’s bankroll. "Without the ability to self-finance his campaign, he's far less of a threat to win the nomination," said the source, who preferred to remain anonymous.

However, with Poizner’s fundraising efforts flagging, it may only be a matter of time before he has to write himself another check.

Recent Polls in the California Republican Primary

Oct. 8: Field Poll
Whitman: 22% Campbell: 20% Poizner: 9%

November 5: Capitol Weekly/Probolsky
Whitman: 34% Campbell: 12.5% Poizner: 5.5%

November 8: LA Times/USC
Whitman: 35% Campbell: 27% Poizner: 10%