By Steve Peoples
Journal Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. --Steven M. Costantino says he hasn't decided whether to run for higher office, but it sure appears he's gearing up for something.

The House Finance Committee chairman loaned his campaign $150,000 on Dec. 31, the last day of the quarter.

Costantino, who is considering a run for state treasurer, had $89,037.44 in his campaign account on Oct. 1 and $267,274.71 on Dec. 31, according to his filing with the state Board of Elections made public Thursday.

In addition to the loan, he raised more than $35,700 in personal donations and another $6,000 from political action committees.

He spent just under $13,000, largely in restaurants, including a $5,400 for a fundraiser at his family's federal hill restaurant, Costantino's Ristorante.

"I know many people say you need to make these announcements right now, but I don't believe that. I also believe that my first responsibility is the job at hand, which is chairman of the House Finance Committee," Costantino said, explaining the loan as a move "to be prepared," should he decide to run. "I'm very much not decided what I'm going to do at this point."

The two announced Democratic candidates for general treasurer, Thomas A. Sgouros Jr. and Gina M. Raimondo, and a third potential Democratic candidate - state Sen. William Walaska of Warwick - have until Monday to file reports, if they raised and spent money during the quarter that ended on December 31, 2009.