Paulsen raises more than $650K, Obermueller draws in $331K
WASHINGTON - Incumbents and challengers in Minnesota are reporting fundraising numbers ahead of the final weeks of campaigning.
In the 3rd District, incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen raised more than $650,000 in the three months ending September 30th while 2nd District DFL challenger Mike Obermueller's campaign brought in more than $331,000.
Paulsen, who represents the wealthiest district in the state and sits on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, now has more than $1.6 million in his campaign's bank account for the general election. Challenger Brian Barnes has not yet reported his fundraising.
In a sign that Paulsen is not too concerned about his race, he transferred $62,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee which can be used to help vulnerable Republicans in other districts.
Paulsen also ramped up his campaign's spending with a $255,000 ad buy and $27,500 on producing commercials.
Obermueller, who's taking on Republican U.S. Rep. John Kline, has $370,000 cash on hand. Last week, Kline reported raising more than $386,000 in the third quarter and had $1.4 million in the bank.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee put Obermueller on its "Red to Blue" list of targeted races, suggesting that Kline was vulnerable in his newly-redrawn district. However, the DCCC has not yet spent any money airing ads against Kline even though the group has been very active in the highly-contested 8th District race.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.