Kay Ivey dominates fundraising in gubernatorial race

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Kay Ivey waving
[Photo Credit: Governor's Office]

Gov. Kay Ivey appears to be benefiting from the power of incumbency when it comes to fundraising in her quest to win election to the Governor’s office for the first time.

Campaign finance reports filed Tuesday, show Ivey surpassed the $3 million mark by raising $402,000 in March. Bringing her total up to over $1 million more than any other candidate in the June 5 Republican primary.

Ivey’s biggest contributors, all giving contributions totaling $25,000, were Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Ozark Striping Co, Inc., and the Alabama Forestry PAC.

A look a Ivey’s GOP opponents:

  • Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle raised a $137,000 in March giving him a total of $1.8 million in financing;
  • Mobile-Republican State Sen.. Bill Hightower raised $71,000 in March taking his fundraising total  to $860,847;
  • Evangelist  Scott Dawson raised $92,000 in March, bringing his total to $731,782 for his campaign.

On the Democratic side

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has a slight fundraising edge over former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb.

  • Maddox reported raising $114,000 in March, bringing his total up to $554,857;
  • Meanwhile Cobb reported raising $78,000 in March, for a total of $517,380.

Although she has come under fire lately for her unwillingness to debate her fellow gubernatorial candidates, Ivey still holds the top spot in the polls, and in fundraising.

Both the Republican and Democratic primaries will be held June 5.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.