Wide margin in fund-raising reported in House race

Financial disclosure reports filed last week by candidates running for the Tennessee House of Representatives 77th District seat detail Union City attorney Judy Barker with a commanding lead in fund-raising.

According to second-quarter filings with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance on July 10, Barker had raised $70,117 and had $37,525 cash-on-hand.

Cat Corner farmer and Democratic candidate Larry Bennett reported raising $12,867 and had $2,868.27 cash-on-hand.

Troy farmer and Obion County commissioner Jerry Grady reported raising $2,700 and had a negative balance of $1,504.35.

Democratic candidate Ross Dubrule of Newbern did not file the second-quarter report.

Candidates for the Republican primary include Kenton business owner Bill Sanderson and Lake County teacher Shelly Arnett.

Sanderson reported raising $30,026 and had $26,218 cash-on-hand.

Arnett reported raising $850 and had $809.09 cash-on-hand.

State Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) is unopposed in the 82nd House race.

Fitzhugh reported on July 2 he had raised $7,350 for the second quarter on top the $44,740.52 held over from the 2004 race, amounting to $50,815.50, cash-on-hand.

The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 7.