HONOLULU -- Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is still not an official candidate for governor, but his unofficial campaign treasury is the richest of the potential candidates.

There will not be any votes cast in the elections for Hawaii governor until fall, but if people voted with money, right now, Hannemann, a Democrat, even without an official campaign, is the clear front-runner.

Hannemann was in Ewa on Monday dedicating a road that is not open yet.

The mayor's unannounced campaign for governor is certainly moving. His exploratory committee has found gold, adding $1 million in the last six months to an already healthy bank account. He has raised $2.3 million and spent only $300,000 because he said he is not running, yet.

"The fact that they've raised that much money, they are organized across the state, is wonderful news. So, I am going to continue to do what I've always said, 'Right now, priority is my job as mayor of Honolulu,'" Hannemann said.

Republican Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona reports raising nearly as much as Hannemann, just over $2 million, but his campaign has spent most of it, leaving him with $866,000 in cash on hand.

Democrat U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie reported raising $1.3 million and spending $577,000 with $769,000 in his state account. He has hopes of getting more from people who gave to his Congressional campaign.

No one is publicly criticizing Hannemann of avoiding making his governor campaign official. Although experts said it seems to be literally paying off.

By remaining mayor the mayor can take advantage of free publicity, like Monday's media event to open a new city roadway.

At the same time, his clout as mayor may be attracting contributors who want to stay on his good side no matter what he runs for, political analysts said.

"So you are not even paying attention to who's giving you money?" KITV reporter Daryl Huff asked.

"I can acknowledge some of the fact. I do say, 'Mahalo and thank you.' I do look at the list and there is a lot of support out there," Hannemann said.

Aiona and Abercrombie tried to put the best light on their fundraising efforts. Both pointed out that many of their donors gave small donations, less than $100. That does not mean they would not take bigger checks if they were offered.

So far, the three candidates spent about $2 million before the election year began.