2018 Elections

Stuart Trumps Parker in Fundraising for Chief Justice Race

Incumbent Lyn Stuart has raised more than three times the amount collected by opponent Tom Parker in the campaign for the Republican nomination for chief justice of Alabama.

Stuart’s monthly report to the Secretary of State’s office, filed Wednesday, showed receipts of $155,000 during April, bringing her total since the campaign began last year to $697,655. She filed a supplemental report on Thursday showing an additional contribution of $65,000.

Parker’s April report listed $500 in contributions. He has raised $213,750 throughout the campaign.

The two candidates will meet in a June 5 GOP primary, with the winner advancing to face Democrat Robert S. Vance Jr. in the November general election. Vance is unopposed for his party’s nomination.

The largest contributor to the Stuart campaign is ProgressPAC, which had given $100,000 through April. Stuart’s additional report on Thursday showed another $65,000 donation from the PAC, which is affiliated with the Business Council of Alabama and receives donations from BCA members and their employees.

Progress for Justice PAC has been the greatest supporter to the Parker campaign. The committee, funded by lawyers, has given $200,000 so far. Birmingham attorney David Marsh, the Cunningham Bounds firm of Mobile; Hare, Wynn, Newell and Newton of Birmingham; and Beasley Allen of Montgomery are among those who have funded the PAC.

Stuart ended the month with a balance of $319,888, while Parker’s report showed he had $32,400 in his campaign account.