Courtney has big lead in the money column

Hartford - The latest Congressional campaign filings show U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, with a commanding fundraising advantage over all of his potential Republican opponents.

Courtney raised nearly $920,000, receiving about $445,000 from individual donations and $450,000 from political action committees. As of March 31, he had $824,000 cash on hand.

"Congressman Courtney's fundraising demonstrates strong support for his bipartisan work on job creation, economic development and strengthening middle-class families right here in eastern Connecticut," his campaign manager, Emma Pietrantonio, said in a statement.

The second-biggest purse belongs to state Rep. Chris Coutu, R-Norwich, who raised $128,737 through March, mostly from individuals. The Coutu campaign has $66,000 cash on hand for its bid to unseat the three-term congressman.

"We're happy with our numbers in light of the fact that Rep. Coutu has spent two months this quarter serving on an active duty assignment with the Army National Guard," said Coutu's campaign manager, Chris Covucci. "We're confident that with Rep. Coutu returning (April 24), we will raise the funds we need to take our message to voters in November."

Republican Daria Novak has raised $25,405. Her most generous contributor is her sister and campaign manager, Suzanne Novak, good for $2,425 in in-kind and total contributions.

- JC Reindl