WESTPORT, CT, April 10, 2008 - John Hartwell, the Democratic challenger for Connecticut's 26th State Senate District, announced today that his campaign contributions total $16,935 to date, exceeding the $15,000 goal needed to qualify for public financing under Connecticut's new Citizen Election Program.

"The tremendous outpouring of local support from the seven towns in this district demonstrates the interest in bringing new ideas and hardworking candidates to the State Senate," noted Mr. Hartwell. "I'm pleased to have received such widespread backing so early."

A filing made today with the State Election Enforcement Commission shows that in the first quarter the campaign received $14,535 from 265 contributors. Joe Scordato, treasurer for the John Hartwell 2008 committee, noted that additional funds received after the end of the first quarter have put the campaign over the top.

"The new Citizen's Election Program opens up the political process to new voices, new ideas, and greater participation," Mr. Hartwell said. "For too long we have had incumbents run uncontested races. Having a contested race means that the real issues will be put on the table and candidates will succeed based on the value they bring to their constituencies, not what they have delivered to special interests."

A former Vice President at Chase Manhattan Bank, Mr. Hartwell currently works as a management consultant in the financial services industry and is a long time volunteer for political issues and candidates. He has lived in Connecticut for seven years and currently resides in Westport with his wife Janet.

Mr.Hartwell was involved in helping gain passage of the Campaign Finance bill that was approved in Connecticut in 2005. He has been active in politics since 1968 when he worked on the Presidential campaign of Senator Eugene McCarthy. This is his first run for public office, and more information on his campaign can be found at his web site www.johnhartwell2008.com.

The district includes the towns of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton. In addition to needing to raise $15,000, the committee also must have donations from 300 residents to be eligible for public financing. Connecticut is the only State to have a campaign finance bill passed by its State Legislature and signed by its Governor. The bill prohibits donations from special interests and provides the opportunity for more citizens to become engaged in the election process on a fair and equal footing with incumbents.