Republican Scott Keller has raised $57,000 in recent campaign contributions, more than twice as much as any other City-County Council candidates in either party.

Keller, a moderate who barely won a heavily Democratic district in 2003, has raised nearly half as much money over the course of the year as mayoral candidate Greg Ballard. Council districts have about 35,000 voters, compared to more than 800,000 in Marion County.

Keller faces Brian Mahern, a Democrat challenger with family name recognition but a much smaller campaign chest. Mahern reported raising nearly $7,300 from April 14 to Oct. 12. Keller said many Republicans, and even some Democrats, have responded to his moderate approach and willingness to work with Democrats on initiatives ranging from a police merger to equal rights protection.

Council finance reports from the latest reporting period give an indication of which districts are heavily contested and which new candidates need to be taken seriously.

Carey Hamilton, a Democrat aiming for the 4th District seat vacated by Republican Scott Schneider, reported the second-largest totals. She raised nearly $25,000

Source: IndyStar