JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State Rep. Lanie Black had more than eight times the amount of campaign cash as of Aug. 31 than Wayne Petitt, the Democratic challenger for the 161st District seat in the House of Representatives.

Black, R-Charleston, reported $37,066.69 on hand at the close of the latest campaign finance reporting period, which covered donations received from July 26 through Aug. 31. Black raised $17,421 during that span while spending $5,499.27.

At least one-fourth of the Black's contributions came from donors outside of the 161st District, which includes Mississippi County, eastern Scott County and northern New Madrid County.

Sixteen donors gave Black the $300 maximum for a House campaign, including two House GOP colleagues -- Minority Floor Leader Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods and state Rep. Richard Byrd of St. Louis.

Petitt, of Scott City, Mo., raised $1,650 and spent $423.65. He had $4,505.77 in the bank.

All but one of the six itemized donations he reported were for the maximum, including one from state Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis. Close to two-thirds of his money came from outside of the 161st District.