“A clear indication of strength is a robust fundraising quarter. And here, it’s not the total cash-on-hand that matters most, but rather, the breadth of support,” said Jennifer Lawless at the University of Virginia. “Even if Foulkes can self-fund, voters want to see that they’re backing a winner. And lots of donations from a broad base of Rhode Islanders is one important cue. Being able to write yourself a large check? Not so much.”
