In one of the most-watched state legislative races this fall, longtime Democratic state Rep. Craig Ford is raking in big Montgomery money against Republican nominee and small businessman Andrew Jones.

The two have been locked in a heated battle to represent state Senate district 10, which spans the Gadsden area, with incumbent Republican state Sen. Phil Williams not seeking another term.

As his September financial disclosure shows, Ford is being backed in a major way by gambling, union and entrenched special interests.
The monthly total of $74,950 includes $10,000 from the PAC run by the Alabama Education Association (AEA), $10,000 from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, $5,000 from BIZPAC, $3,500 from Franklin Resources Group and $500 from Democratic consulting group Matrix, LLC.

Since the beginning of the campaign cycle, Ford has raised $379,243.48 while Jones has brought in $135,407.89.

Much of the race has focused on whether Ford is being honest with voters by calling himself an “independent.” The former Democratic House Minority Leader has been caught scrubbing his past party affiliation and leadership activities from the internet, along with the resurfacing of stunning caught-on-video candid footage of Ford speaking to Democratic groups.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn