SCRANTON, Pa. — With less than a week until Lackawanna County voters pick a new commissioner , one candidate has a clear financial edge over the other two candidates and one state senator is responsible for giving it to him, campaign finance reports reviewed by Newswatch 16 show.

State Sen. Marty Flynn’s political committee, Friends of Marty Flynn, donated $100,000 early this month to county commissioner candidate Thom Welby, the Democratic nominee — far and away the largest donation in the campaign to elect a successor to former Commissioner Matt McGloin.

Flynn’s contribution to Welby is, by itself, greater than the combined sums raised by independent Michael Cappellini, who is endorsed by sitting Commissioner Bill Gaughan, and Republican Chet Merli.

Cappellini has raised $77,140 and

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