Perry-Smith Senate race adds up to big money

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

State Rep. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, and former state Sen. Rod Smith, D-Gainesville, have combined to raise more than $700,000 in their battle for an open North Florida Senate seat, according to newly filed finance reports. Perry raised $16,760 from July 23 to July 29, bringing his overall contribution total in Senate District 8 to $330,737. He had nearly $191,000 in cash on hand in his campaign account as of the end of the reporting period. Smith, who also is a former chairman of the Florida Democratic Party, raised $12,435 from July 23 to July 29, bringing his overall total to $382,402, the reports show. Smith had nearly $336,000 on hand as of the end of the period. The race between Perry and Smith will be one of the most closely watched legislative contests in the November elections. The newly redrawn District 8 includes Alachua, Putnam and part of Marion counties.