The race for lieutenant governor is one of next year’s most highly anticipated political showdowns and — based on the money the candidates are already raising — it shouldn’t disappoint.

The primary matchup pits GOP incumbent Andre Bauer against fellow Republican Mike Campbell, son of popular former Gov. Carroll Campbell.

The winner of the Republican primary likely will face Columbia lawyer Michael Hollings, son of former U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings, in the general election.

Observers say the big names — and big dollars — mean the race is shaping up to be one of the most unconventional in a long time.

Bauer and Campbell are off to strong fund-raising starts, according to campaign financial disclosure forms filed with the State Ethics Commission.

From April to June, Bauer raised more than $130,000, to add to the $268,000 already in his war chest. Campbell took in nearly $110,000 over the three-month period.

Those are significant numbers considering the election season is months away and neither campaign has yet kicked into high gear.

Hollings, who so far is running unopposed for his party’s nomination, has been much slower out of the financial starting gate. Disclosure forms show he has only $14,600 on hand, and $14,000 of that is from a bank loan.

Hollings’ figures aren’t necessarily a problem, however. Bauer took out a $170,000 loan to win his party’s nomination in 2002.

Hollings could not be reached for comment.

Bauer and Campbell claim to have the support of “regular” South Carolinians. However, the average contribution to both candidates topped $500.

In addition to major corporate donors like Progress Energy, Bauer’s biggest supporters were more than 40 car dealerships. They accounted for $35,000 of his total contributions during the three-month period.

As a former car salesman himself, Bauer says those businesses want someone in the office who understands their concerns. He also won points with them by vowing not to raise the sales tax cap on cars.

Campbell has “got his daddy’s connections,” Bauer said. “I don’t have those kind of connections. I’m the little fella who had to do it all on my own.”

Campbell, a political novice, has summoned his father’s old network to help raise money. His advisers include former state commerce secretary Bob Royall and former gubernatorial chief of staff Bob McAlister.

Royall himself is being courted by some business leaders for a possible run against Gov. Mark Sanford.

Campbell spokesman Wesley Donehue said the senior Campbell’s political connections are important, but insists the candidate can stand on his own.

“His name may help, but people are anxious to meet Mike and find out what he’s about,” he said.

USC political scientist Blease Graham said the matchup is interesting because it is a contrast to traditionally mundane races for lieutenant governor.

“It’s like an old-fashioned campaign where the establishment candidate is running against the populist,” he said, referring to Campbell and Bauer, respectively. “But in this case, the populist is the incumbent, and the establishment is the challenger.”

Reach Stensland at (803) 771-8358 or jstensland@thestate.com.