Brown, Whitman lead in Calif. fundraising

SACRAMENTO, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Democratic state Attorney General Jerry Brown and Republican businesswoman Meg Whitman are the winners so far in California's gubernatorial cash-raising race.

Brown reported Friday his campaign brought in $3.5 million between January and June, the San Jose Mercury News reported. That is twice the $1.7 million raised by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Whitman, the former chief executive officer of eBay, reported contributions of $6.8 billion for the period, plus a $19 million gift to herself. Steve Poizner, a technology entrepreneur now serving as state insurance commissioner, reported $900,000 in contributions and $3.7 million of his own, while former Rep. Tom Campbell, a business professor, trailed the field with $305,000 in donations.

Brown and Whitman may also have an edge in name recognition. Whitman was highly visible as head of eBay, while Brown is a former governor and son of the late Gov. Pat Brown.

The primary election is 10 months away.