In 3rd District, Madia says fundraising shows momentum

DFL 3rd District Congressional candidate Ashwin Madia says he's proven that he can raise the money needed to run a strong campaign.

Madia announced Thursday that he raised $161,000 in slightly more than two months last year. The former Marine who served in Iraq is running for the seat held by Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad, who plans to retire at the end of this term.

During a State Capitol news conference, Madia said the amount of money raised shows he is a serious candidate.

"We're going to use the money to get my message out. The main thing is we have the ability now to communicate with voters across my district and explain to them the vision for change and the vision for future that we have," says Madia.

Madia is challenging state Senator Terri Bonoff of Minnetonka and Edina Mayor Jim Hovland for the 3rd District DFL endorsement. Bonoff announced she raised more than $210,000 dollars in the fourth quarter and would report total receipts of more than $300,000 for the calendar year.

State Representative Erik Paulsen of Eden Prairie is the lone Republican candidate.