Independent gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina raised over $150,000 in campaign contributions, according to campaign finance reports filed today, slightly more than half of what Pollina raised during his first gubernatorial bid in 2000.

Pollina's supporters, over 1,000 of whom are Vermonters, have donated $153,541 to help promote their candidate before Election Day. Pollina has spent a little more than $130,000 so far, and has approximately $23,000 cash-on-hand.  

"Despite the fact that many of our supporters are facing dire economic challenges, struggling to put gas in the tank so they can drive to work and worried about how they are going to heat their homes this winter, we are proud that over 1,000 Vermonters have been willing to contribute over $150,000 to support Anthony Pollina, their choice to be the next Governor of Vermont," the Pollina camp said in a statement this afternoon.

"The fact that so many people have contributed amounts from $1 to $2000 has been very gratifying.  We want to thank them all for their belief that Anthony can be the next governor of Vermont."

Pollina has raised less money to date during the 2008 election than he did during his first bid to be the state's top executive eight years ago. In 2000, the then-Progressive candidate raked in nearly $300,000. 

In the statement, the Pollina camp emphasized its grassroots efforts while promising "innovative change," should Pollina be elected governor, adding that, "For Vermonters, the real campaign is about issues and ideas, not money."