Kaine Predicts He Will Need to Raise $15 Million

Former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine predicts he will need to raise between $15 million and $20 million for his 2012U.S. Senate race, saying Virginia's contest will be among the costliest in the country.

He said that does not include what opponents will raise. Kaine could face off against another former governor, Republican George Allen, in a marquee match-up.

Kaine appeared on C-SPAN's 'American Morning" program from the Arlington County campus of George Mason University.

"I don't have personal money to put into a campaign," Kaine said, so fundraising is a significant aspect of running for the Senate.

Kaine said the costly Washington media market adds to the costs of campaigns.

Allen raised $1.1 million in the second quarter, bringing his fundraising total to $2.6 million from more than 5,000 donors. Kaine announced last week that he had raised $2.25 million in the second quarter, double Allen's figure.

But Kaine still trails Allen overall. He entered the race in late April, missing the first quarter, in which Allenbrought in $1.5 million.

from the Richmond Times-Dispatch