CMS race: Davis is top fundraiser

Eric Davis, a banker who's seeking the District 5 Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board seat, has raised and spent more in the early stretch of the campaign than the 19 other board candidates combined, the first round of financial reports show.

Davis started collecting donations in February, and had $27,767 in hand as of the July 31 midyear report. That included a handful of donations of $1,000 or more and a long list of smaller donors.

He reported spending just over $11,400 on promotional items, mailings and other campaign items.

The second-biggest fundraiser was his rival, Susan Walker, who reported raising $6,314 and spending $3,651. The two are vying for the south/central district seat held by board Chair Molly Griffin, who isn't running.

The nonpartisan school board race doesn't have a primary, and many candidates wait until summer to launch campaigns and seek money.

Ten candidates reported having less than $1,000 in hand at the end of July. Five others -- including all three contenders for the south suburban District 6 seat being vacated by Ken Gjertsen -- filed statements saying they expect to raise and spend less than $3,000 during the entire campaign.

Click here to find out who's giving how much to whom. (The list also includes candidates for municipal offices in Mecklenburg County).

- Ann Doss Helms