From ROLL CALL- THE NEWSPAPER OF CAPITOL HILL SINCE 1955

April 16, 2008

ALABAMA

Candidates Raising Fast Cash in Cramer's District

Prior to announcing his candidacy on April 3, advertising executive Wayne Parker (R) had been fundraising for about a week for his run at the open 5th district seat being vacated by Rep. Bud Cramer (D). In that time Parker raised $177,000, according to his first quarter Federal Election Commission Report.

Though Parker was a two-time nominee against Cramer in the 1990's, Republicans are excited at the prospect of his candidacy in an open-seat race. The 5th is a district where the GOP has routinely dominated Democrats in presidential elections. In 2004, President Bush took 60 percent of the vote there as Cramer was winning re-election with 73 percent.

Parker's top Democratic rival in the open seat race appears to be state Sen. Parker Griffith. After announcing on March 21, Griffith raised $115,000 and reported $112,000 in cash on hand at the end of the quarter.