On Thursday the Republican Governors Association announced that they raised $44.1 million in 2011- more than double their total from 2007, the most recent comparable election year.  The RGA will go into 2012 with $26.6 million in cash on hand, which is more than any other political party committee.

"The RGA's strong fundraising is a reflection of our governors' position as leaders of our party," said Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who chairs the organization. "While President Obama racks up trillion dollar deficits and creates uncertainty for the nation's job creators, Republican governors are making the tough choices to balance budgets and make their states more competitive."

2012 will see 11 gubernatorial races in Delaware, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia, in addition to a possible contest in Wisconsin to recall Gov. Scott Walker, who was elected in 2010.

"This year, the RGA will be on offense in eight of 11 states scheduled to hold governors' races" said Governor McDonnell, "and is in position to make game-changing investments in our races, including those in critical presidential and Senate battleground states."

The Democratic Governor's Association announced their fundraising numbers for 2011 earlier this week; they raised $20 million.