Old Lyme — Vicki Lanier, a town resident and Republican candidate for state representative for the 23rd district, announced today that she exceeded the required amount of funds and number of donors to qualify for public campaign funds to be used both in any primary efforts and ultimately a race against a Democratic candidate this November.

The 23rd district covers Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.

Lanier’s donors have come from statewide and the four towns in the 23rd district.

“I am excited by the level of support we have so quickly built for my campaign effort,” said Lanier in a statement. “My extensive experience of true civic service and real accomplishments as an elected official have prepared me for the demands of serving as an effective state assembly member. With the close of the 2014 legislative session, I would also like to express my thanks to our distinguished retiring 23rd district state representative, Marilyn Giuliano. She has done an outstanding job of balancing leadership on issues with listening to constituents and advocating for their views.”

Lanier, a former secretary of the Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education, practices family law. She is a contributing mentor to various women’s groups and active in community efforts supporting children and small businesses.