It's clear from the latest financial disclosures of the Knoxville mayoral candidates that the business community that supports political candidates, most of whom are Republicans, is endorsing Mark Padgett, a Democrat and son of former longtime Knox County Clerk Mike Padgett.

...In terms of fundraising, the campaign is between Padgett and Rogero. Padgett is the frontrunner, raising $146,865 in the last quarter ending June 30; Rogero raised $63,911 during the period. But former County Commissioner Ivan Harmon, who reported raising $20,700, said he's not to be counted out. Former Councilman Joe Hultquist, a latecomer to the race, reported raising $10,035. Bo Bennett, a 911 dispatcher, reported raising $24.

...Padgett received contributions from the Haslam family after meeting with Jimmy Haslam, the governor's brother; Steve Bailey, the governor's brother-in-law; and others, he said.

"I reached out and asked if I could sit down and talk with them. I told them why I was running and why I thought I was the right person to be mayor," Padgett said.

His contributions have come from calling "many, many" people and fundraisers, he said.

"We're out in full sprint. We're making phone calls, setting up events," Padgett said.

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