South Carolina Republicans are starting the countdown to their 2012 first-in-the-South GOP presidential primary with nearly $253,000 in cash on hand.

The state GOP filed state and federal financial reports this week that show the start of effort to raise cash for a contest estimated to cost $1.5 million.

The party raised more than $184,000 for its state accounts during the quarter that ended June 30 and has more than $216,000 on hand. The party will pay for the primary out of its state fundraising account.

The party said it also reported nearly $37,000 in cash on hand for its federal account.

The first-in-the-South primary's funding and fate were put in doubt by state budget writers and Gov. Nikki Haley's veto of money for the contest in early July. The Legislature later overrode the veto and the state's attorney general says the Election Commission can run the primary.

It's unclear how much of the primary tab the party will pick up. The state Election Commission can use some leftover money to help pay for the contest.