ALBANY, N.Y. — A report from government watchdog groups shows candidates raised about $246 million for statewide and legislative races in 2010, including nearly $72 million in the gubernatorial campaign.

The New York Public Interest Research Group says Monday that individual contributors accounted for $83 million, or about one-third, while businesses or trade associations gave almost $67 million, about three times as much as the $21 million from unions.

Totals included $25 million in donations from other candidates and almost $14 million from political parties.

The report, endorsed by the Citizens Union, Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, recommends public campaign financing, dramatically lowering donation limits and banning personal use of contributions.