The top fundraiser in the race for the Democratic congressional nomination in the 7th district says she has offered to return campaign contributions and will donate the rest to charity.
Lisa Mandelblatt raised more than $640,000 before dropping out the race last week with more than $440,000 cash-on-hand. She says she has sent letters to donors asking if they would like a pro-rated refund. Mandelblatt also intends to repay herself the $300,000 she loaned her campaign – also pro-rated, which is fair. Whatever is left over will go to an unspecified charity.
Mandelblatt has endorsed onetime rival Tom Malinowski, a move that offers some Democrats cover amidst calls to run a woman against Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton).