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(AP) -- Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is helping pad the campaign account of Missouri gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence.

McDonnell, who is chairman of the Republican Governors Association, headlined a suburban St. Louis fundraiser Wednesday for Spence's challenge of Democratic Governor Jay Nixon.

Spence campaign manager Jared Craighead says the event drew about 125 people and raised more than $150,000.

Both the Republican and Democratic governors' associations have been active in Missouri's race.

The national Republican group has given $1.75 million this summer to its Missouri affiliate. The national Democratic group gave $2.5 million to its Missouri affiliate earlier this year.

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