The current governor and a former governor have raised over $3 million in the past four and a half months for the election battles ahead.  

Candidates were required to publicly disclose how much they’ve raised from January 1 through May 14 of this year.  Governor Chet Culver, a Democrat, raised nearly $1.5 million during that period.  Former Governor Terry Branstad, a Republican, raised over $1.6 million during the same time frame, although he’s currently spending money on his primary battle against two other Republicans who are contesting for the 2010 G.O.P. nomination for governor. 

Culver has about $3.3 million in his bank account for his reelection effort. Branstad had roughly a third that much as $1.2 million was left in Branstad’s campaign account last Friday. 

Governor Culver with Lt. Governor Patty Judge, his wife Mari and his children.

Governor Culver with Lt. Governor Patty Judge, his wife Mari and his children.

At least one of the other two Republicans who’re running for governor has raised far less than Branstad.  Rod Roberts, a state representative from Carroll, raised about $54,000 in the first four-and-a-half months of the year. 

Bob Vander Plaats, a Sioux City business consultant, reports raising over $284,000 during the period.  He had roughly a quarter of a million dollars in cash on hand for the “stretch run” to the June 8 G.O.P. Primary.

(This story was updated at 3:47 p.m.)