Bolling, Shannon lead in fundraising

The state's down-ticket candidates are far apart on the issues -- and in their campaign checkbooks.

The Republican nominee has a hefty lead in the cash race for lieutenant governor, while the Democratic candidate for attorney general continues to out-raise his opponent, according to campaign finance reports filed today.

Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who is seeking re-election, raised $366,141 during the reporting period of May 28 June 30, giving him $1.1 million on hand. He spent $177,149, including more than $40,000 to a direct mailing company.

Bolling's donations included $12,500 from Gordon Smith, a lawyer; $10,000 from the 7th District Republican Committee and $10,000 from Altria Client Services Inc., according to figures released by the Virginia Public Access Project.

Former Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, trailed her Democratic running mates and her Republican opponent in money raised.

In the 33-day period she raised $231,661 and spent $316,566, of which $100,000 paid for television advertising. Wagner easily won the June 9 Democratic primary, defeating Arlington County activist Mike Signer.

As of June 30, Wagner had $187,980 in her campaign treasury.

Her donations included $25,000 from Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's political action committee, Moving Virginia Forward, and $10,000 each from Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., and the Virginia AFL-CIO.

Democratic attorney general nominee Steve Shannon, who clinched the party nomination without competition, continues to lead his Republican opponent in the cash race.

Shannon, who represents Fairfax County in the House of Delegates, raised $284,733 this period, bringing his June 30 cash balance to $1.25 million.

He took in $35,000 from the Verizon Good Government Club of Virginia, $25,000 from Moving Virginia Forward, $15,000 from the Virginia AFL-CIO, $12,000 from Friends of Steve Shannon and $10,000 from Warner, among others.

His Republican opponent, State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli of Fairfax, reported raising $291,705 in the most recent period. This was more than the last two GOP candidates for attorney general, Bob McDonnell and Jerry W. Kilgore, raised in the same period, campaign consultant Chris LaCivita said. It also includes no national GOP money, he said.

Since the campaign began, Cuccinelli has raised $850,540 and spent $517,000 to leave him with a June 30 cash balance of $332,767.

The money Cuccinelli raised in the period includes $13,000 from his Senate campaign account, $1,000 from Gun Owners of America, a pro-gun group; $7,500 from Dominion PAC, $10,000 from the 7th District Republican Committee, $50,000 from Lynn Via, listed as a Roanoke housewife; and $10,000 from Richard Sharp, a Richmond investor.

The Cuccinelli campaign spent most of the money on salaries and mailings. He spent $15,278 for a reception at the Hilton Garden Inn in conjunction with the Republican state convention in Richmond at which he defeated two rivals for the nomination. He bused supporters to the convention.

The gubernatorial candidates trotted out their numbers earlier this week. Republican McDonnell lagged behind Democrat R. Creigh Deeds during the most recent period, but holds the lead in cash on hand.