Republican Bruce Blakeman has been denied up to $7 million in state matching campaign funds for his bid to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul, who already has a $20 million campaign war chest and is leading polls. The state Campaign Finance Board voted in a 4-3 party line vote because Blakeman's running mate, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, failed to file required paperwork. The rejection could be a significant setback for Blakeman, who would have received up to €3.5 million in the GOP primary and $3.6 million in November. Hochula is not participating in the program, which is being used in a statewide race for the first time.