GOP governors are raking in big bucks amid some high-profile budget disputes that have tested new state chiefs such as Wisconsin's Scott Walker and Ohio's John Kasich.

The Republican Governors Association (RGA) reports today that it raised $22.1 million for the first half of the year, eclipsing its six-month totals for 2007 to 2009, and erased its debt left over from the 2010 elections. The GOP governors have $16.2 million cash on hand in the bank.

"Republican governors are proving that the states are the most effective places from which to transform and save our country, and the RGA benefits from their leadership," said RGA Chairman Rick Perry, the Texas governor who is considering a 2012 presidential bid.

Walker and Kasich, both elected in November, represent some of the challenges facing new GOP governors. Both battled public employee unions and curbed collective bargaining in their bids to reduce costs in their respective states.

There are 14 races for governor in 2012, including in Missouri, North Carolina and Indiana. All three states will be ones to watch next year, especially for their impact on the presidential election.

Republicans hold 29 of the nation's governorships, compared with 20 for Democrats and one independent. Democrats have to defend nine governor's seats next year, compared with five for Republicans.

The Democratic Governors Association has not yet reported its fundraising totals for the second quarter, which ended June 30.