Committees formed by or with ties to likely 2017 candidates for governor have raised more than $10.6 million and spent nearly $5.9 million.
TRENTON -- Committees connected to likely 2017 gubernatorial candidates have raised more than $10 million, according to the Election Law Enforcement Commission.
Just one candidate has formally announced his campaign for governor in what's expected to be a crowded field, but super PACs tied to likely candidates have raised $10.6 million so far and spent nearly $5.9 million, ELEC said in its Wednesday analysis.
So far, there are eight committees "formed by or supporting" five candidates, mostly Democrats.
"It is not unusual not illegal for possible contenders or their allies to try to expand public awareness of the would-be contestants by raising and spending money before the election year," ELEC Deputy Director Joe Donohue said in his report. "Some also use the expenditures to help gauge the level of support for a gubernatorial bid."
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Two committees formed by Democrat Phil Murphy, the former Goldman Sachs executive and ambassador to Germany who officially kicked off his campaign last month, have raised nearly $4.7 million and spent nearly all, or $4.5 million.
Most of the contributions to New Way for New Jersey and New Start NJ came from Murphy's own deep pockets. He has said he plans to loan his campaign $10 million.
A committee formed by allies of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Coalition for Progress, has brought in more than $3.5 million, spending just $248,000, ELEC said.
A group formed in support of Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), New Jerseyans for a Better Tomorrow, raised more than $1.5 mililon and spent about $330,000.
Supporters of Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) in 2013 formed the Committee for Economic Growth and Social Justice, which has so far raised and spent about $684,000.
The We Care About NJ PAC, formed by allies of Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, a Republican, has spent about half of the $133,500 it's raised since 2015, ELEC said.
Guadagno in April also became "honorary chairwoman" of a new non-profit think tank called Building a Better New Jersey, run by Gov. Chris Christie's former campaign manager.
As a 501c4 social welfare organization, the setup is similar to Murphy's New Start NJ. Such groups "may engage in some political activities, so long as that is not its primary activity," according to the IRS. They're not required to disclose their donors.
Not included in the report is another likely Republican candidate, Evesham Township Mayor Randy Brown, who announced Wednesday he's formed a super PAC called One Team, One Vision, One Jersey.
Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.