GOP US Senate hopeful Bruce Blakeman launched an unusual attack against his primary rivals this morning, basically saying he has more grassroots cred because he has loaned less of his own money to his campaign than they have to theirs.

The difference between me and my two Republican opponents is that I have actually raised a lot of money from individuals,” Blakeman told Capital Tonight’s Kaitlyn Ross.

“Yes, I have loaned my campaign about $150,000 because I wanted to demonstrate that I was committed to my own effort, but I’ve raised $300,000 from individuals all across the state and I’ve outraised my opponents combined.”

“Basically they’ve each lent themselves $1 million. And one of them has already started paying himself back. I guess he’s not too optimistic about his chances.”

Gannett’s Brian Tumulty reported today that the three Republicans vying to take out Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand have collectively pumped $1.9 million into their respective bids. Gillibrand has raised $8.78 million and had $6 million on hand as of the end of March.

Blakeman, who announced his campaign in January – far earlier than his opponents, David Malpass and Joe DioGuardi – recently hired fundraiser Cathy Blaney to kick his money-gathering efforts into a higher gear. (Blaney worked for former US Sen. Alfonse D’Amato and former Gov. George Pataki and is also currently working for AG Andrew Cuomo’s campaign).

Blakeman remains largely unknown to New Yorkers, as do his fellow GOP contenders, none of whom come anywhere close to Gillibrand at this moment. The best way to raise one’s name recognition is paid TV time, and that costs money, which means Blakeman better get cracking if he’s not going to be kicking in any more of his own cash.

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