Current Democratic Ohio governor Ted Strickland currently has a strong lead in the race for fundraising cash against his 2010 challenger, Republican John Kasich.

Kasich, a former congressman and conservative commentator, raised $516,000 during the first half of 2009. Strickland reported raising more than five times that amount - $2.5 million - in the same time period.

Strickland's campaign fund stands at $4 million, even though he has experienced an approval ratings decline as a result of the biennium budget mess. Kasich, on the other hand, has $451,000 in the bank.

In fundraising totals for the state released Friday, Strickland was one of the rare incumbents doing well. Democrat David Pepper outraised incumbent Republican Auditor Mary Taylor, and Republican Josh Mandel outraised Democratic Treasure Kevin Boyce.