Former Virginia Sen. George Allen raised nearly $1.1 million in the fourth quarter, his Senate campaign announced today.

The strong final fundraising period of 2011 pushed the Republican’s total raised for the year to more than $4.5 million and left him with more than $2 million in cash on hand at the outset of 2012. 

Allen, also a former governor, is the frontrunner for the GOP nomination to take on former Gov. Tim Kaine in what’s likely to be one of the most competitive Senate races in the country. 

“The continued generosity of our dedicated grassroots team of supporters has put us in strong standing as we move forward to the November 2012 elections,” Allen said in a statement. “I truly believe the 2012 election is our generation’s ‘rendezvous with destiny’ and Virginians are energized and ready to bring change to Washington.”

Allen has a few conservative primary challengers, including tea party leader Jamie Radtke and possibly state Del. Bob Marshall, who is taking a serious look at the race.

Kaine, who has not yet released his fourth-quarter fundraising totals, had more than $2.5 million on hand at the end of September after two strong fundraising quarters. Allen and Kaine are running for the seat of retiring Sen. Jim Webb (D), who defeated Allen in 2006.