Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling reeled in $1.1 million last year for his gubernatorial bid, with a large chunk coming after his opponent entered the fray.
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Bolling has more than $1 million still on hand as he prepares for a Republican primary against Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli that’s still a year and a half away. It was Cuccinelli’s unexpected announcement to jump into the race that bolstered Bolling’s year-end totals, he said.
Of the $555,000 raised in the second half of 2011, about $400,000 came in December, setting the tone for a long, expensive campaign between the two rivals. According to reports, Bolling and Cuccinelli have spoken little, if at all, in the days after Cuccinelli declared his intentions.
“I am especially pleased by the groundswell of support I have received since my opponent announced his campaign for governor on December 1,” Bolling said. “We raised more money during the last month of 2011 than we have during any similar fundraising period.”
When Cuccinelli decided to run, it spoiled the gentlemen’s agreement Bolling made with Gov. Bob McDonnell before the 2009 election. Bolling agreed to run for a second term as lieutenant governor, if McDonnell promised to back his campaign in 2013.
McDonnell has come out in strong support of Bolling, often referring to his former running mate as “chief jobs creation officer” and emphasizing Bolling’s role in attracting business to the commonwealth.
Still, Bolling’s office is largely behind the scenes, whereas Cuccinelli has been in the center of a number of high-profile battles since taking over in 2009. Most notably, Cuccinelli challenged President Obama’s health care reforms and is entangled in a legal battle over climate research.
Cuccinelli is unapologetic about joining the race, insisting he had no part in Bolling and McDonnell’s agreement.
