Rep. Tom Perriello (D) began April with $1.4 million banked for his re-election campaign in the south-central 5th district.

Perriello’s operation said it received money from nearly 4,700 new donors as it took in more than $600,000 in the first quarter of 2010.

Perriello has been hailed in Democratic and liberal circles for voting in favor of a health care bill and a cap-and-trade climate change bill.

Seven Republicans are running in the June 8 primary election to oppose Perriello, and Democrats are hopeful that the eventual winner will emerge from that race low on funds.

Nye Opponent Will Run as Independent

One of the Republicans challenging Rep. Glenn Nye (D) is bowing out of the primary and instead will run as an Independent.

Kenny Golden, a former local GOP chairman, explained his plan in a Facebook video, saying, “This primary has already been decided, and it was decided a good while ago.”

Golden was referring to support automotive executive Scott Rigell has received from the National Republican Congressional Committee and some GOP luminaries in southeastern Virginia.

“I’ve decided it’s time for me to move on from the Republican Party,” Golden said. “So, therefore, what I’ve decided to do is, this fall, I am going to run as an Independent candidate for your vote and for your seat in Congress in the 2nd district of Virginia.”