Amy Klobuchar, Hennepin County Attorney, raised $580,000 in the last quarter.
From the press release:
"Klobuchar's campaign raised more money than announced Republican candidate Mark Kennedy raised for the same reporting period, according to published reports."
Wow! This race is gonna be one of the key races in 2006, and it looks like there is at least one Democrat emerging as a viable opponent to Kennedy.
Read more about Amy at www.amyklobuchar.com . Full press release below.
Klobuchar Raises $580,000 for 2006 U.S. Senate Bid
Klobuchar's strong first quarter donations match her grassroots support
Amy Klobuchar, who has yet to formally announce her candidacy for U.S. Senate, has raised $580,000 in the month and a half since Sen. Mark Dayton announced he would not seek re-election, her campaign committee reported today.
"I'm very pleased and humbled by both the financial and volunteer support that our campaign has received over the past few weeks," Amy Klobuchar said. "This support will allow me to stand up for the people of Minnesota and champion ideas that will make a difference in their lives."
A substantial number of Klobuchar's contributions were received through her website, amyklobuchar.com, and many of them were raised personally by Klobuchar who called people from her kitchen table.
"The amount of money Amy Klobuchar has raised so early, and in so little time, is stunning," said Ted Mondale, a former state legislator and veteran of many campaigns.
"It shows Amy's support for United States Senate is broad and deep."
Klobuchar's campaign raised more money than announced Republican candidate Mark Kennedy raised for the same reporting period, according to published reports.
"This outpouring of support simply underscores our certainty that Minnesotans are looking for a U.S. senator who can best represent them in Washington and who will stand for what's right," said Aaron Peterson, state representative from rural Minnesota and member of Klobuchar's campaign committee. "Amy Klobuchar's performance over the last few weeks has been extremely strong. And more Minnesotans will be hearing in the next few weeks how Amy Klobuchar will be the right person to serve them in the U.S. Senate in 2006."
Klobuchar's many supporters include 51 state legislators from across the State of Minnesota. Klobuchar's donations have come from Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Her detailed report will be filed April 15 as required by federal law.