Arnold Schwarzenegger raises substantial fund in California campaign

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took in more than $125 million (85 million EUR) for his various political committees.

Photo: Arnold Schwarzenegger raises substantial fund in California campaign

In doing so, the former actor has surpassed Gray Davis, the governor he ousted four years ago in a recall election that focused in large part on Davis' seemingly incessant fundraising.

Schwarzenegger's political committees have taken in $125.8 million since he jumped into the gubernatorial recall campaign in August 2003.

At the time, he suggested that he would rely on his own fortune to pay for his campaigns.

"I don't need to take money from anybody," he said after announcing his candidacy on "The Tonight Show" on Aug. 6, 2003. "I have plenty of money myself. I will make decisions for the people."

Schwarzenegger has continued to raise money this year even though he is barred by state law from running for a third term in 2010.

So far in 2007, he has taken in more than $6.2 million (4 million EUR) to pay off debts from his 2006 re-election campaign, restock his ballot measure committee and pay for some staff travel and other expenses.

Schwarzenegger has used $32.7 million (22 million EUR) of his own money on his two races for governor and several ballot measure campaigns. That total is not included in the $125.8 million figure.