Chris Bragg is reporting at Capitol Confidential Democrat Shaun Francis has raised nearly $16,000 since February, in his campaign against Halfmoon Republican state Sen. Kathy Marchione in 2016. In an interview, Francis called the fundraising a “respectable showing” so early in the 2016 election cycle, especially for a first-time candidate. Francis is a labor official and former AAA baseball umpire. He was also critical of former Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno’s use of $500,000 in taxpayer-reimbursed legal fees for a PAC donation. Francis noted that $5,000 of the money went to Marchione, who currently holds Bruno’s old seat. “I think the fact that taxpayer money is being used for donations to [GOP state Sen. George Amedore] and Kathy Marchione is going to upset plenty of people,” Francis said. As of January, Marchione reported having approximately $160,000 is cash on hand. Her July filing was not available as of Tue., Jul. 15. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.