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Charlotte Smart, Fast: Aug. 11, 2015 -- Mayoral candidates on the money trail

By CharlotteFive Staff
Democratic mayoral candidates Michael Barnes, left, Jennifer Roberts, center, and David Howard, right, during a mayoral forum on April 9, 2015 at UNC Charlotte featuring three of the four Democratic candidates running for mayor. The forum, hosted by the UNCC College Democrats, was held at the Fretwell Building at UNC Charlotte and featured candidates Jennifer Roberts, Michael Barnes and David Howard. The candidates answered student submitted questions, and there was a student moderator. It was the first forum for all announced Democrats.
Democratic mayoral candidates Michael Barnes, left, Jennifer Roberts, center, and David Howard, right, during a mayoral forum on April 9, 2015 at UNC Charlotte featuring three of the four Democratic candidates running for mayor. The forum, hosted by the UNCC College Democrats, was held at the Fretwell Building at UNC Charlotte and featured candidates Jennifer Roberts, Michael Barnes and David Howard. The candidates answered student submitted questions, and there was a student moderator. It was the first forum for all announced Democrats. Diedra Laird dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Nothing like a little fight to get your week started right. Here’s what you need to know to be Charlotte Smart in less than two minutes.

THE BIG NEWS: Charlotte’s mayoral candidates are hitting the streets — for money, that is. Charlotte’s six major candidates — Democrat Jennifer Roberts, Democratic Mayor Dan Clodfelter, Democratic City Council member David Howard, Democrat Michael Barnes, Republican Edwin Peacock and GOP opponent Scott Stone — have pulled in more than $900,000, according to the Observer.

A breakdown:

– Roberts raised more than $300,000 thanks to a wide network from earlier campaigns.

– Clodfelter raised nearly $183,000 (after a late start) partly from a network of fellow lawyers.

– Howard raised nearly $159,000 with contributions across the city.

– Barnes, the mayor pro tem, raised less than $20,000.

– Peacock raised $137,000 and Stone raised $104,000, largely from support from business professionals.

Turnout is expected to be low, but let’s prove them wrong. Get ready for the primaries Sept. 15.

CAM NEWTON, JOSH NORMAN FIGHT GOES VIRAL: Cam Newton and Josh Norman made national news after a fight broke out between the two at Panthers training camp early Monday. The fight sparked after Norman intercepted a Newton pass. The scuffle was picked up by national publications such as ESPN, SB Nation and Deadspin. We’re just glad no one got hurt.

KERRICK TRIAL UPDATE: The second week of testimony in the voluntary manslaughter trial of CMPD Officer Randall Kerrick got underway yesterday. Prosecutors drew into question what Kerrick did versus what he was trained to do. Directives about force: “Officers are taught to minimize their use of force, to control an aggressive person with a Taser and to resort to deadly force only when the officer reasonably believes the person poses a risk to his life, the lives of others or to the public.” Jurors will determine whether Kerrick followed those directives.

Also, here’s CMPD’s full transcript of the interview with Kerrick in 2013, a few hours after the shooting.

BUDDY BAKER DIES: NASCAR legend Buddy Baker died Monday after a relatively brief battle with inoperable lung cancer. The 74-year-old, longtime Charlotte-area resident won 19 races in a 33-year-long career before he retired in 1992. He is among the nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO TONIGHT?: Atlanta Braves great Dale Murphy will be a special guest at tonight’s Charlotte Knights game. As of late last night, tickets were still available for the 7:05 p.m. game against the Gwinnett Braves.

Photo: Diedra Laird/Charlotte Observer; Charlotte Observer graphic.

This story was originally published August 10, 2015 at 9:39 PM with the headline "Charlotte Smart, Fast: Aug. 11, 2015 -- Mayoral candidates on the money trail."

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