According to the Richmond Times Dispatch:
Democrat Brian Moran's gubernatorial campaign will report $1.38 million raised during the first half of this year for a primary still nearly a year away.The House of Delegates member from Alexandria and chairman of the House Democratic Caucus began July with about $800,000 on hand.
According to the article, that puts Del. Moran ahead of Tim Kaine at the same point 4 years ago. I'll be very interested to see how much money Creigh Deeds raised, and also Bob McDonnell.
UPDATE: NLS notes that the apparent $700,000 in spending by the Moran campaign represents "record spending for this point in the cycle."
ALEXANDRIA - Virginians for Brian Moran will report brining in $1.38 million in the first reporting period of 2008, Committee Director Mame Reiley announced today. Moran's fundraising exceeds the amount raised by then-Lieutenant Governor Tim Kaine and Attorney General Jerry Kilgore in the first half of 2004, the most recent comparable fundraising period. Moran's $1.38 million sets the record for candidates without a previous statewide campaign. Delegate Moran was barred from raising funds between January 9 and March 13 because fundraising is restricted during the General Assembly session."Brian's statewide support is impressive. He's getting help from people across the entire Commonwealth because Democrats realize he has a strong record and the best chance to win in November of 2009," said Mame Reiley, Director of Virginians for Brian Moran. "Brian's strong performance lays the groundwork for an impressive statewide finance effort and a successful campaign."
Moran's fundraising efforts have included events in Hampton Roads, Richmond, Roanoke, and Northern Virginia, highlighting his statewide support. Moran's statewide support comes during a significant staff expansion, including hiring General Consultant Steve Jarding, Senior Advisor Jean Jensen, Outreach Consultant Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr., Political Director Dominic Gabello, and others. Virginians for Brian Moran has approximately $800,000 cash on hand as of July 1. Moran's committees, in total, added over $1 million in new monies to it's accounts this period.
"I am humbled and encouraged by this support and the generosity of my friends, both new and old," Delegate Moran said. "It has been a pleasure to get to know Virginians in every corner of our Commonwealth - citizens who truly care about the direction of our state. The response has been amazing."
For the past two-and-a-half years, Delegate Moran has secured his position as a dominant fundraiser in the contest for the Democratic nomination for Governor. From January 2006 through the first half of 2008, Delegate Moran has raised over $3.3 million.
Last year, Delegate Moran led the House Democratic Caucus to the largest gains in a generation and gave a total of $914,773 for Democratic candidates and campaign purposes.
Virginians for Brian Moran is Delegate Brian Moran's gubernatorial candidate campaign committee. The final numbers may change slightly as the comptroller and accountant file the period report on July 15th.