Litchfield businessman Mark Greenberg led all Republican candidates for the 5th District Congressional race in fundraising for the last quarter of 2009, according to contributions reported to the Federal Elections Commission.

Greenberg raised a total of $303,162 by Dec. 31 from 77 individuals or companies, according to results posted recently at www.fec.gov . He contributed $150,000 to his campaign in the form of a loan from Gotham Bank of New York.  Greenberg owns about two dozen shopping centers in Connecticut and a residential property management business in New York.

Greenberg brought in more money than Justin Bernier of Plainville, who reported total receipts of $295,676, and State. Sen. Sam Caligiuri of Waterbury, who raised $100,453, for the same period.  Bernier is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and a former member of Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s cabinet.  Contributions under $15,000 were reported by three other Republican candidates: Dan Carter of Waterbury, Bill Evans of Wolcott, and Kie Westby of Southbury.

Democratic incumbent Chris Murphy of Cheshire raised a total of nearly $1.3 million by the end of 2009.  Murphy’s war chest includes contributions of more than $411,000 from dozens of political action committees and about $860,000 from individual donors.

Greenberg said it was important for him to be the top Republican fundraiser at this point.

“It sends a message to people in politics in the Republican party that I have a very, very strong backing from people in business, friends, and family,” he said Monday.   “I am making my own personal financial commitment to this process.”

This is Greenberg’s first campaign for political office. He says 35 years in the real estate industry taught him how to create jobs and support fiscal responsibility in Washington, D.C.

Already, Greenberg has reaped benefits from his new status.

“People in the Republican party are returning my calls,” he said.  “People in the media are seeking me out.  There’s a tremendous amount of credibility that’s created by these numbers.”

About a third of Greenberg’s individual contributions came from Connecticut residents.  The rest came largely from his business associates and friends in New York. 

Sue Doyle of Litchfield contributed $500 to Greenberg’s campaign.  She has been a real estate agent for decades and previously owned her own business.

“I feel he’s willing to take a stand and truly represent the average taxpayer,” Doyle said in a telephone interview.  “I believe he’ll fight and defend our future.  Many of us are just fed up.”

Edgar Auchincloss, the chairman of the Republican Town Committee of Litchfield, said he was not surprised by Greenberg’s fundraising ability.

“I think he’s very well-connected,” said Auchincloss. “I think Mark is passionate, articulate, and probably represents the mainstream of the business community.”

The Litchfield committee has heard presentations from Bernier, Greenberg, and Westby.  It has not endorsed a candidate.

Last month, Greenberg was endorsed by three elected officials: Jerry Stomski, the first selectman of Woodbury; and Moira Wertheimer and Robert Hensley, both selectmen in Simsbury.

Caliguiri has been endorsed by State Sen. Andrew Roraback, R-Goshen, and State Rep. Craig Miner, R-Litchfield.  Benier has been endorsed by nine town committees including: Goshen, Morris, Norfolk, and Washington.

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