GOP Aiming to Plant Seeds of Its Resurgence in Va. Governor's Race

Nick Ayers, executive director of the Republican Governors Association, described McDonnell as "an incredibly strong candidate" because of his connections to the state's two most populated areas, Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, as well as his prior success in running a statewide campaign and his high approval ratings.

The Republican and Democratic candidates are expecting to raise at least $20 million to $30 million for the race. State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (Bath) and former delegate Brian J. Moran (Alexandria) have been laying the groundwork to run for governor for years. Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has said he will announce Jan. 7 whether he is running. McAuliffe would enter the race with an enormous national fundraising network.

To help McDonnell keep pace, the RNC and RGA are expected to send millions of dollars to Virginia. They will also help McDonnell with campaign strategy, get-out-the-vote efforts and the technology needed to reach potential voters. Duncan and McDonnell recently met for breakfast to start to hash out a plan.

This year, the RGA spent $6 million each on campaigns in Washington state and North Carolina. The group, which has historically been better funded than its Democratic counterpart, could spend a similar amount in Virginia, where there are no limits on donations to candidates seeking state office.

Virginia is one of only two states with a governor's race next year. The other state, New Jersey, is considered a Democratic stronghold.

"At this point, it's about money, money, money," said Phil Musser, a political consultant who works to elect Republican governors. "You are going to see [Republicans] throw the kitchen sink into the Virginia's governor's race."

With Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) barred from seeking a second consecutive term, Democrats are facing their first contested primary for governor in more than two decades. McDonnell's lack of opposition means he will have the spring and summer to raise funds, organize his campaign and develop a message. But he is prohibited from raising money during the 45-day legislative session that begins Jan. 14.

McDonnell had $1.2 million in the bank as of June 30, the end of the last reporting period. Moran had $924,292, and Deeds had $650,452.

Brian Namey, a spokesman for the Democratic Governors Association, said his group will not allow McDonnell's campaigning to go unanswered before the Democrats select a nominee in June. "He will not get a free ride," he said.

DGA officials have traveled to Virginia to meet with Democratic candidates, state party officials and other supporters.