By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
MONTGOMERY—In the race to acquire campaign contributions for a run for State Senate, two incumbent senators and one new contender are leading the pack.
Republican Senator Arthur Orr from Decatur comes in at number one with $274,915.26 raised.
In the number two slot is Democrat Roger Bedford from Russellville with $166,078.59.
Wrapping up the cash trifecta in third place is Republican Dr. Jim McClendon from Springville with $165,147.56.
McClendon, a current member of the House, is looking to take on one-time Democrat Jerry Fielding for Senate District 11 which consists of parts of St. Clair, Talladega, and Shelby Counties.
So far, Orr and Bedford are clear of any competition for their respective seats.
Orr has served in the State Senate since 2006 and he is chair of the powerful Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. The Decatur senator raised $120,002.13 in August and he spent $12,760.13. His campaign contributions were comprised mostly of private individuals. His largest contribution of $6000 came from Sixth Avenue Properties in Decatur. Orr, now has $274,915.26 on hand.
Long serving legislator Roger Bedford is currently serving his sixth term as a self-styled conservative Democrat. He started August with $136,090.52 in his campaign account. He raised $37,550 during the month and his expenses ran $7566.93.
Bedford’s campaign contributions are a mix of individuals, companies and a few PACs. His largest contribution, $5000, came from Cunningham Bounds, LLC, of Mobile, Alabama.
Representative Dr. McClendon retired from his private practice in St. Clair County upon beginning his first term in the Alabama Legislature in 2002. He is the Chair of the House Health Committee.
McClendon, announced a few months ago that he would seek election to Senate District 11. He opposes Senator Jerry Fielding who was a democrat until switching to the GOP in 2013.
Fielding has a modest $17,634.50 in his campaign account, while McClendon’s war chest can boast $165,147.56.
If campaign contributions are any indication of how the political winds are blowing then Orr, Bedford and McClendon have the wind at their backs as the clear front-runners for the 2014 Senate races.
