The Republican Governors Association hauled in $23.5 million in the first half of 2013 — nearly double the amount they raised four years ago during a like cycle — and has more than $37 million on hand heading into the 2013 and 2014 elections.
“Republican governors are driving America’s comeback by balancing budgets, creating jobs, improving education, and pursuing free market solutions to the challenges facing our states,” said Louisiana governor and RGA Chairman Bobby Jindal. “The effective leadership of 30 Republican governors across the nation stands in stark contrast to the gridlock and absence of leadership in Washington, D.C.”
Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia and Chris Christie of New Jersey helped spark a GOP resurgence by winning their off-year elections in 2009. At this point four years ago, the RGA had raised $12.2 million and had $20.4 million on hand.
With Mr. Christie headed toward what appears to be a relatively smooth re-election this year, the group’s most immediate focus is the Virginia governor’s race between Republican Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II and Democrat Terry McAuliffe. Under state law, Mr. McDonnell cannot run for re-election this year.
The RGA has given more than $4.6 million in contributions and in-kind donations to Mr. Cuccinelli’s campaign this year. DGA Action, the super PAC affiliated with the Democratic Governors Association, has given Mr. McAuliffe $2.2 million this year.
Mr. McAuliffe, a former Democratic National Committee Chairman, has raised $11.1 million this year and finished June with $6 million on hand. Mr. Cuccinelli has raised $7.7 million this cycle and had $2.65 million on hand at the end of June.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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