Gibbons spent more than he raised in 2010

Incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons raised about $178,924 and spent $184,022 on his re-election campaign from January through May, the first financial reporting period of 2010.

That meant Gibbons had to dip into the approximately $35,000 in funds he rolled over from last year to run his campaign.

Gibbons campaign manager Ron Bath says he has been running the operation on a tight budget and stretching every dollar.

"I honestly don't think raising huge amounts of money is the secret," Bath said.

In the primary Gibbons is facing former federal judge Brian Sandoval, who raised about $900,000 during the January through May period and has an estimated $576,000 cash on hand. Former North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon reported raising about $80,000 and spending $113,000 during the period. Democrat Rory Reid, who awaits the winner of the Republican primary, raised about $984,000 and has $2.6 million in cash on hand.

With much less money than Sandoval and little to no professional advice, the campaign has relied on radio ads, a Web site and word of mouth to get Gibbons' message to voters.

Bath says Gibbons' support is coming from outside the political establishment.

"The folks that are contributing are contributing from their heart. Some of them aren't huge contributors but they believe in the governor," he said.

Gibbons is trailing Sandoval by double-digits in statewide polls with primary voting set to conclude Tuesday.

Bath, a longtime friend of Gibbons is running the campaign on a volunteer basis. He remained optimistic about Gibbons' chances.

"If he gets into the general, he'll have all the money he needs and he can get a professional to run his campaign and if he doesn't, well, I gave it all I had," Bath said.