By Chip Brownlee
Alabama Political Reporter
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, a Republican candidate for governor, is leading the pack in terms of donations to his campaign, raking in more than $360,000 during his first month of fundraising.
$195,000 of battle’s campaign war chest came from major contributions: three $50,000 donations and one $45,000 donation from businesses and individuals in North Alabama. The remaining $167,050 were smaller donations from businesses, individuals and PACs.
“I’m so grateful for all of the support we’ve received so far,” Battle said. “It’s amazing what we’ve all done as a team in a matter of weeks.”
In total, Battle has $356,000 in his campaign account.
Battle leads Republican field in terms of fundraising, beating out Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh, Jefferson County commissiner William Carrington and evangelist pastor Scott Dawson, who came in a close second, raising more than $178,000 during his first month.
State Sen. Bill Hightower, who just joined the race Wednesday, has already raised nearly $170,00.
Cavanaugh, who actually came fifth in terms of fundraising, has the most money in her war chest, but the majority came when she loaned herself $500,000 on June 30.
So far, Cavanaugh has raised about $69,000 in donations, leaving her with $564,000 in her war chest after spending about $6,500 on administrative costs and fundraising.
For the past month, Battle has traveled across the state discussing the issues central to his campaign — infrastructure, economic development, job growth and fiscal responsibility — while also fundraising.
Battle’s major contributions, which totaled $195,000 came from four donors: Reed Contracting Services in Union Grove; Randall Schrimsher in Huntsville; Science & Engineering Services in Columbia, Maryland; and Cathleen Anderson in Brownsboro.
Major contributions must be specially reported to the Secretary of State’s Office while monthly campaign finance reports were due Thursday. The next monthly report will be due on August 2.
Email Chip Brownlee at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @chpbrownlee.