Caprio beats rival Dem in fundraising

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - General Treasurer Frank Caprio has a nearly 3-to-1 fundraising advantage over his rival in next year's Democratic primary for Rhode Island governor, according to campaign finance reports filed Monday.

Caprio raised about $200,000 d uring the three-month period ending in September but refunded roughly $65,000 in contributions, mostly from lawyers and financial specialists seeking state business under Caprio's control. His total campaign account stood at roughly $1.5 million.

Caprio, who has not formally declared his candidacy to succeed incumbent Republican Gov. Don Carcieri, earlier said he did nothing wrong in accepting the contributions but wanted to avoid having political contributions "cloud the integrity of my office."

His rival, Democratic Attorney General Patrick Lynch, raised nearly $114,000 during the same period, increasing his campaign balance to more than $562,000 after subtracting expenses. He returned about $1,000 in checks. Former Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who is exploring a run as an independent, had nearly $200,000 in campaign cash on hand.

He raised about $70,000 in contributions and other income during the last quarter while loaning his campaign $50,000. Republican candidate Rory Smith entered the race last month and is not required to file a fundraising report until Feb. 1.