Daily Point

Fundraising gathers steam with help from political connections

The trappings of political office give an incumbent an edge over a rival, and the biggest benefit is money — cash for campaign mailings, ads and lawn signs.

So, it’s surprising when an incumbent is outfundraised by a challenger.

In the November elections for Suffolk County’s 18 legislative districts, four incumbents raised less money than their challengers, according to July 15 campaign finance filings with the state Board of Elections.

Legis. Catherine Stark, a Republican and Conservative representing the 1st District, raised $8,825 during the Jan. 15-to-July 15 filing period, compared with $17,526.40 raised by her Democratic challenger Gregory Doroski, who also has the Working Families Party line. Stark has a

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