COLUMBIA--Gov. Mark Sanford continues to dominate in the fundraising department, trumping his Republican and Democratic opponents by raising $437,615 in the last three months.

Sanford, who has yet to formally announce his 2006 re-election bid, has $3.7 million in the bank, a war chest 10 times the size of his closest opponent.

The Republican governor raised less money than last quarter but continued to rake in money from outside South Carolina; 49 percent of all the money Sanford raised this quarter came from elsewhere.

The Republican governor's numbers stand out among the third quarter campaign finance filings that were due Monday. The period covers July 1 through Sept. 30, a typically slow fundraising period because of the summer months. Also, voter interest is relatively low with the election still 13 months away.

But that didn't seem to faze Charleston Democrat Robert Barber, either. In the 15 days after announcing his candidacy for lieutenant governor, the former state lawmaker raised $110,600 and spent nothing.

"Needless to say, reaching six figures is just a first step," Barber said in a statement. "With the expense of campaigns today, it's only a start, but a very strong one."

Barber's opponents, Republican Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and GOP challenger Mike Campbell did not have their reports completed yet. Candidates have a five-day grace period from the due date before the State Ethics Commission charges a $100 fine for each subsequent day late.

Democratic state Sen. Tommy Moore of Clearwater has $375,493 on hand after raising $242,435 this quarter for his gubernatorial campaign. Most of his contributions came from South Carolina, though a few were from Georgia, which borders his Senate district.

Moore beat his previous quarter, but the same can't be said about his June primary opponent, Florence Mayor Frank Willis.

Willis brought in $100,980 during the last three months, which was about half of the amount he raised from April to July.

The Democrat also used more funds than any other gubernatorial candidate, spending $116,811. He's left with $167,742 in the bank.

"This is a marathon," said Willis' campaign spokesman Joe Werner. "And we will have the resources we need to win in June."

Before the Democrats get a crack at Sanford, the governor must face Midlands doctor Oscar Lovelace in the GOP primary. Lovelace, a political unknown, raised less money than every candidate in the governor's race.

Lovelace brought in $89,673 in total contributions, nearly all from in-state, and spent more than half of it last quarter. He has $64,342 on hand.

A good portion of his expenses paid to get his name before the voters. The campaign spent about $15,800 for advertising, T-shirts, bumper stickers and a Web site.

Lovelace also hired high-powered political consultant Rod Shealy of Irmo, who charged $19,754 in consulting and printing fees.

THE MONEY RACE

Campaign finance reports for the third quarter were due Monday. Here's where the candidates for governor and lieutenant governor stand:

CANDIDATE CONTRIBUTIONS EXPENDITURES CASH ON HAND

THIS PERIOD THIS PERIOD

GOVERNOR

Mark Sanford (R) $437,615 $72,956 $3,723,271

Oscar Lovelace (R) $89,673 $46,911 $64,342

Tommy Moore (D) $242,435 $65,299 $375,493

Frank Willis (D) $100,980 $116,811 $167,742

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Andre Bauer (R) ... Not yet completed

Mike Campbell (R) ... Not yet completed

Robert Barber (D) $110,600 $0 $110,600