Fuller outraises challenger

State-mandated campaign financial statments show incumbent Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller has raised about four times the amount of challenger Rainer Meadows.

Fuller said he began raising funds by January 2008. According to the 45-day report filed with the Lee County Probate Judge’s office this week, Fuller has received $32,774 in cash contributions.

Fuller’s reported cash contributions include funds from businesses and individuals. It also includes four state political action committees — or PACs — located outside of Opelika.

Meadows said he began raising funds around March 1. According to his 45-day report, Meadows has received $8,070 in cash contributions.

Meadows’ reported cash contributions include funds from businesses and individuals, but no PACs. The report also lists $2,000 Meadows says he took from his personal bank account to go toward his campaign.

Fourteen out of the 59 cash contributions over $100 listed by Fuller are from individuals and businesses in Auburn.

“I’m grateful for every contribution,” Fuller said Friday. “A number of Auburn folks have business interests in Opelika. A lot of those folks have been friends of mine for years and years.”

Three out of 19 cash contributions over $100 listed by Meadows are from individuals and a business outside of Opelika, including a company in Auburn.

“I have not solicited any money outside the city of Opelika, and I don’t intend to do it at this time,” Meadows said.

Fuller has spent a total of $37,684.30 on his campaign, while Meadows has spent $8,817.82, according to the 45-day reports.

The election is Aug. 26.

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