Romney, Kaine Leading in Virginia Donations

Mitt Romney, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, continues to lead President Barack Obama in Virginia campaign donations, according to the most recent reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks campaign spending, Romney has raised $4.5 million in Virginia, compared to Obama's $4.2 million. CRP's numbers were updated through July 21 and are based on FEC numbers for the 2012 election cycle.

Romney also leads Barack Obama in donations from Oakton residents in the 22124 ZIP code, taking in more than $50,000 compared to the $41,113 given to Obama.

In the Virginia U.S. Senate race, Democrat Tim Kaine continues to lead Republican George Allen in statewide campaign donations.

Kaine has raised $10,390,929, while Allen has raised $8,169,391, for the reporting period ending June 30, according to the Center for Responsive Poliltics.

But Oakton differs from the rest of the state, showing preference for Allen over Kaine in the money race. While Kaine has brought in $16,900 from the 22124 ZIP code, Allen has raised $21,750, according to a Virginia Public Access Project report that includes only donations of $200 or more. 

The Senate race between these two former Virginia governors has become one of the most-watched Senate races of the 2012 election year.

"The fundraising numbers showcase that both of these campaigns are ultra-competitive with no distinct advantage for anyone at this point," said Mark Rozell, Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University, who studies Virginia politics.

"In the Senate and the presidential, each major party nominee will raise and spend more than enough money to be competitive throughout the march to November.  As the campaigns heat up further, look for these numbers to grow dramatically, along with unprecedented amounts of outside money pouring into the state," he said.