The State: Barrett crosses $2 million in fundraising

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett raised $379,764 putting him past $2 million raised for his bid to become South Carolina’s next governor.

The Republican Congressman from Oconee has led the money race so far. Barrett’s closest challenger in the money race so far has been S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster. McMaster has raised more than $1 million this election cycle, and his $350,828 fourth quarter fundraising is slightly behind Barrett.

Barrett has $1.5 million in cash on hand to spend in what is expected to be a competitive race for the Republican nomination. Political insiders predicted the winner would have to raise at least $2 million to win. Voters will go to the polls in June to choose between five Republicans for the GOP nomination.

Besides McMaster, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, Lexington state Rep. Nikki Haley and Berkeley Sen. Larry Grooms are running for the GOP nomination.

The deadline to submit fundraising reports is today. But candidates can submit them up until Friday without penalty.

Source: http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2010/01/barrett-crosses-2-million-in-fundraising-.html