Nixon raises $1.7M; Kinder raises $771,000

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon raised about twice as much for his re-election bid as Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

State campaign finance reports released Friday showed that Nixon's campaign brought in nearly $1.7 million during the past six months and had slightly more than $2 million in its bank account at the end of March. Kinder raised roughly $771,000 over the same period and reported just over $902,000 in available cash.

Missouri candidates for next year's elections were required to file campaign finance reports Friday with the state Ethics Commission.

The campaigns for both Nixon and Kinder said the fundraising over the past half-year signaled strong support from Missourians. Nixon was elected governor in 2008. Kinder, who is serving his second term as lieutenant governor, has not formally announced his candidacy for governor but is expected to challenge Nixon in the 2012 election.

Nixon's campaign said it received donations from 986 contributors -- of whom more than 90 percent are from Missouri.

"The early financial support is critical, but the real reason that Jay Nixon is in a strong position to be re-elected is the tough and effective leadership he's shown as governor during these challenging times," said Oren Shur, who is Nixon's campaign manager.

Kinder campaign attorney Jared Craighead said Kinder's fundraising has been strong. He noted that the lieutenant governor also has made significant donations to other Republican candidates.

"The report demonstrates the strong support for the lieutenant governor and that whatever he chooses to do in the future, he is going to be successful and have the resources he needs to be successful," Craighead said.

Five of Missouri's six statewide offices will be on the ballot in 2012, including attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer.

First-term Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster reported that he raised $728,000 from October through March. He had $709,000 in available cash at the end of last month.

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, who lost a bid for the U.S. Senate last year, raised just several hundred dollars over the past six months but still has $220,000 in her state campaign bank account. A spokesman for Carnahan has said that she plans to seek a third term as secretary of state.

Democratic Treasurer Clint Zweifel, who is serving his first term, raised $271,000 and reported $361,000 on-hand.

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Online:

Missouri Ethics Commission: http://www.mec.mo.gov