Tommy Battle opens $200,000 fundraising lead in Huntsville mayor's race

Staff Report HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- With the Aug. 28 municipal election fast approaching, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle has outraised both of his opponents by more than $200,000. According to campaign finance records, Battle received $21,375 in contributions during the month of May. That takes his running tally to $238,960 since announcing his re-election bid in October. "The response has been phenomenal," David Driscoll, Battle's campaign consultant, said Monday. "We've had over 400 different donors from all walks of life." Former three-term Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer isn't having the same luck. After a relatively strong April in which she raised $7,475, Spencer reported just $725 in contributions for the month of May. Her fundraising total now stands at $36,650 since jumping into the race in late February. However, more than two-thirds of that amount came from a $25,000 personal loan. Spencer's Montgomery-based campaign strategist, Brent Buchanan, said she is focused on interacting with voters one on one. Read More...