Congressional candidates rack up thousands for campaigns

Three members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation released their campaign fundraising figures today, with Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann reporting the largest amounts.

Bachmann's campaign said Thursday that it raised $810,000 in the first three months of the year, not including cash from last week's fundraiser with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. The campaign has more than $1.5 million in the bank as Bachmann seeks a third term in the state's 6th District.

Two Democrats are running in an August primary to challenge Bachmann. Dr. Maureen Reed has said she will lend her campaign after lagging state Sen. Tarryl Clark in fundraising. Clark raised $500,000 in the first three months of the year. Reed raised $200,000 over the same period.

Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen reports raising $323,526 in the first three months of the year, and has $1.1 million in the bank. Paulsen represents the state's 3rd District.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz said he raised $314,000 in the first three months of the year, and has $600,000 in reserves. Walz is seeking a third term representing southern Minnesota's 1st District.

(MPR News' Madeleine Baran contributed to this report.)