CL – Childers-Nunnelee race gains national attention
Democratic 1st District Rep. Travis Childers has almost three times as much cash on hand as his Republican opponent, state Sen. Alan Nunnelee, according to finance reports released last week in a House race expected to be one of the most competitive of 2010.
Childers, of Booneville, reported $507,220, while Nunnelee, of Tupelo, reported $181,000.
Political experts say the contest will be closely watched as Nunnelee tries to unseat the first-term congressman representing a mostly conservative district.
“Travis Childers has the voting record of a Republican for the most part, but he’s facing a much tougher opponent,” said David Wasserman at the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
Wasserman said Nunnelee “will be a strong and seasoned candidate who will be able to eat into Childers’ Tupelo base. The question is, can Nunnelee compete in the rural counties outside of Tupelo?”
Clarion-Ledger
10/18/9
Magnolia Tribune
