AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline)-The two possible Republican candidates for Texas attorney general say they are poised to report that they are raking in big money ahead of the 2010 race.

Former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz and state Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, say they will report that they have each raised more than $1 million when campaign finance reports are filed July 15.

Cruz said he has collected contributions from more than 500 people from 57 Texas cities and 18 states.

"It's encouraging and deeply humbling to see such a tremendous team come together all across Texas," Cruz said. "There is a palpable hunger today for new and principled leadership to defend economic freedom and Texas values. Texans of all ages and backgrounds are responding overwhelmingly to our campaign's positive message, and the growing excitement has given us remarkable momentum."

Both men are seeking to succeed fellow Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott, who is widely considered to run for lieutenant governor, provided Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is elected to the U.S. Senate if Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison leaves her post.

Branch was barred by state law from raising money during the legislative session. His campaign will report having raised $600,000 from more than 200 supporters in about a week, a statement said.

"We're just getting started," Branch said of his campaign's fundraising. "Obviously, the legislative fundraising moratorium prohibited me from receiving contributions until only a few days ago. The flood of support is deeply gratifying. It's taken our breath away."

On the Democratic side, lawyer Barbara Radnofsky of Houston is the only announced candidate for attorney general.

From Legal Newsline: Reach staff reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.