LIKELY GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE EXCEEDING FUNDRAISING GOALS

There is nothing more important for success in the modern era of politics than having a loaded war chest. Especially if you’re running to be the governor of South Carolina.

Of course, Attorney General Henry McMaster hasn’t said he’s running for governor yet, but he sure has a heck of a lot of money on hand if he decides to do so.

Today McMaster will announce that he has more than $1 million in the bank for his 2010, umm… “re-election” campaign.

“We are very pleased to report the campaign has over one million dollars in the bank and received over a quarter of a million dollars in contributions during the first three months of this year,” said Columbia businessman Bill Stern, a leader on McMaster’s campaign finance team.

The disclosure to be filed later this week will show McMaster raised over $287,000 during the first quarter of 2009. That amount will bring total funds raised to over $1.2 million for the 2010 election cycle.

This news will no doubt make the only announced candidate, Congressman Gresham Barrett, a little nervous.

And just imagine what it will do for Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who is selling off everything he owns just to have a shot at running for governor.

McMaster’s full campaign disclosure — along with Barrett’s and Bauer’s disclosures — will be available on the state ethics commission web site later this week.