Bolling has early edge in 2013 campaign

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling has built an early fundraising edge over his rival for next year's Republican gubernatorial nomination, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Reports that the campaigns submitted to the State Board of Elections show Bolling raised $961,811 during the first six months of the year to Cuccinelli's $534,156. That doesn't count about $477,000 Cuccinelli transferred in from his attorney general campaign committee.

But the two men spent about the same: $466,200 for Bolling, $439,051 for Cuccinelli, counting expenses his attorney general campaign committee covered.

Bolling had a two-year head start in fundraising for the 2013 governor's race. Cuccinelli didn't enter the race until November. Bolling began 2012 with $983,239 in the bank.

The GOP nominee will be chosen at a statewide convention next June.