For those looking for a bright spot in the Republican party, the Republican Governors Association said it outraised the Democratic Governors Association in the first half of 2009.

In the first six months of the year, the RGA raised $12.2 million and has $20.4 million cash on hand. The DGA raised $11.6 million during the same period and $12.5 million cash on hand.

RGA communications director Mike Schrimpf touted the sum, calling the states the last place left where Republicans can flex some muscle, without the White House and control of Congress.

The positive note comes as hopes for a state-centric Republican renaissance have been complicated by recent developments about two of the party's former star governors, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. Palin is stepping down at the end of July and Sanford last month admitted to having an extramarital affair.

"Governorships are the one area where Republicans can implement effective policy that can rebuild the party," said Schrimpf, whose organization recently underwent a leadership shakeup when Mississippi GOP Governor Haley Barbour took over after Sanford stepped down.

DGA communications director Emily DeRose emphasized that the amount raised by Democrats was an association record.