Republicans in Minnesota have acknowledged that challenging Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2012 will be "tough."

But they sure aren't making it any easier on themselves when it comes to fundraising.

Klobuchar raised $1.1 million in the second quarter, bumping her up to $3.3 million in the bank for the 2012 campaign, her campaign announced Tuesday.

As for her first major Republican challenger, 2010 Secretary of State GOP candidate Dan Severson? He raised $3,700 before the June 30 deadline, according to his Federal Election Commission report filed Friday.

While Severson's campaign did not begin until June 8, he received only three itemized contributions after kicking off his Senate bid. He also has $5,000 in campaign debt.

Whether Klobuchar ultimately faces Severson or another GOP candidate in 2012, the latest FEC reports show that Klobuchar essentially starts with a $3 million — and counting — head start.