Eye on 2010, Paterson Ups Fund-Raising

Aiming to deter primary challengers in two years, Governor Paterson has ramped up his fund-raising operation, pulling in more than $3 million in donations since stepping in for Eliot Spitzer in March, according to his campaign office.

Mr. Paterson's political committee has raised more than $3.2 million since it was established three months ago, campaign officials said yesterday. The governor, who came into office with about $100,000 in his campaign coffers, now has roughly the same amount of cash on hand.

His campaign office released the figures ahead of tomorrow's financial reporting deadline for the six-month period between January 15 and July 15.

The showing by the governor is on par with what his predecessor, who had a much greater national profile, raised in his brief tenure.

A year ago, Mr. Spitzer raised $3.7 million during the same six-month period. He added another $3 million in donations during the next six months. Mr. Paterson's fund-raiser, Cindy Darrison, raised money for Mr. Spitzer's 2006 race.

Unlike Mr. Spitzer, who imposed on himself a $10,000 ceiling on contributions from individuals, political action committees, and unions, Mr. Paterson is accepting the state legal limit of $55,900 for the primary and general elections.

Mr. Paterson has said he intends to run for governor in 2010. A largely unfamiliar figure among voters with an undefined voter base, Mr. Paterson is under pressure to step up his fund-raising efforts to gird against a potential Democratic primary.

The governor has yet to hold a major fund-raising gala, but has held small private gatherings, including a recent one at the home of a film producer, Vincent Roberti.