Coming off state and national elections and with an economic recession under way, the crowded field of candidates for mayor of Jackson may find it difficult to raise money this year.
But the fundraising battle could make the difference, as hundreds of thousands of dollars will be needed to hire staff, hold events, buy campaign signs and purchase advertising.
“It’s become much more expensive to run these campaigns,” said City Council President Leslie Burl McLemore, who briefly considered entering the mayoral race but decided not to, in part, because of fundraising challenges. “It’s very difficult … extremely difficult to raise money.”
In the last mayoral race in 2005, campaign finance reports show then-challenger Frank Melton raised about $646,330, while incumbent Harvey Johnson Jr. had about $542,780.
Magnolia Tribune
