Capitol Calling

The Associated Press reports that Gov. Jay Nixon nearly doubled up Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder - his potential rival in the 2012 gubernatorial race - in fundraising.

Nixon ended up raising about $1.7 million and has a little over $2 million of cash on hand. Kinder raised roughly $770,000 and has over $900,000 of cash on hand.

From the AP article:

“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.

Read the rest of the article here.