1TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea has claimed a surge in donations following former President Donald Trump’s May 12 endorsement of his primary opponent, Jack Ciattarelli. But recent campaign finance records filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission show little evidence to support that.

Spadea’s May 30 Form G1 report shows he raised $14,779.20 in small-dollar contributions — defined as donations under $200 — during the reporting period. That figure accounts for just 6 percent of the $220,000 Spadea has collected in small-dollar donations throughout the election cycle.

One of those donors, who accounts for more than $2,000 says she’s never even heard of Bill Spadea and not sure why the candidate is billing the elderly Georgia woman’s cre

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