Congressman Allen Boyd faces a host of challengers -- including a serious threat in the Democratic primary from Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson of Tallahassee. Lawson and the Republicans are factors in this race, but Boyd has one huge advantage -- money.
Boyd has raised a whopping war chest -- almost $1.7 million, though $1.1 million of that comes from PACs. Despite having already spent $1.8 million, Boyds campaign has more than $1 million in the bank. While Lawson has raised almost $175,000 for his campaign, he has less than $35,000 on hand.
Funeral home owner Steve Southerland has an advantage over his opponents for the Republican nomination. Having raised more than $366,000 in the campaign, Southerland has almost $195,000 left in the bank. David Scholl placed second among Republican candidates in the money chase. Scholl, a pilot and retired Air Force officer, raised more than $53,000 from individuals, kicked in $20,000 from his personal fund and had just over $47,000 in the bank on June 30. The other Republican candidates in the race trailed behind in terms of cash on hand.
Conservative retired firefighter Paul McKain is running with no party affiliation, and while he has raised more than $44,000 so far, he has less than $8,000 on hand.
Conservative activist and accountant Dianne Berryhill has pulled out of the Republican field and is also running without party affiliation. Health administrator Ray Netherwood is running as a write-in candidate.
This race will continue to draw attention and Republicans do have a chance to pick up the seat, but his large financial advantage makes Boyd the favorite.
