By Associated Press
Tuscaloosa, AL – Republican Tim James and Democrat Artur Davis are leading Alabama's gubernatorial candidates when it comes to money.
Campaign finance reports show James has at least $2.61 million to spend before the party primaries on June 1. Davis has at least $2.17 million.
James and Davis have far more money on hand than other challengers for the seat now held by Gov. Bob Riley, who can't seek re-election.
An expert on political advertising and election spending, Karen Cartee of the University of Alabama, said it's critical for candidates to purchase media time in the weeks leading up to the primary. She said most of them still need to get their names out before voters.