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State GOP spent $4.2 million to promote Schwarzenegger in June

By LAURA KURTZMAN, | Tuesday, Aug 1 2006 4:15 PM

Last Updated: Tuesday, Aug 1 2006 4:15 PM

The California Republican Party has raised $12.3 million this year, most of it in unlimited donations, according to campaign finance reports reviewed Tuesday.

That is nearly twice what the Democratic Party has raised this year, although Democrats still have more in their bank account heading into the November general election. As of June 30, the Republican Party had $3 million cash on hand, while the Democrats had $9 million. That includes money the party raised in previous years.

The Democrat's total will rise after a fundraiser scheduled Tuesday night in Beverly Hills with President Bill Clinton. The event is expected to bring in $5 million for the party and Schwarzenegger's opponent, Democratic state Treasurer Phil Angelides.

In June, after the bitter Democratic primary, the Republican Party spent $4.2 million on ads for Schwarzenegger, who has been the party's main fundraiser.

Since the beginning of the year, the Republican Party received $2 million from Alex Spanos, owner of the San Diego Chargers; $1 million from T. Boone Pickens, the Texas oil tycoon; $1.5 million from A. Jerrold Perenchio, the founder of Univision; $250,000 from Chevron; and $150,000 from Joseph Weider, the fitness magazine owner who is an old friend of Schwarzenegger's.

Monday was the filing deadline for candidates, political parties, ballot measure committees, major donors and independent committees. The state Republican Party filed its report late Monday night.