ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Republican Senate candidate Mike McFadden says he has scooped up more than $700,000 in donations in the first month of his challenge to Democratic Sen. Al Franken.
The quick start McFadden touted Tuesday makes clear that next year's contest will be expensive. Franken is a prolific fundraiser who pulled in $2 million the first three months of the year. The first-term senator has until mid-month to detail his fundraising for April through June.
McFadden is a business executive and first-time candidate. He must beat at least one other Republican, state Rep. Jim Abeler, before taking on Franken next fall.
McFadden campaign manager Tom Erickson says the candidate and his wife donated a total of $10,000 to the campaign. McFadden didn't reveal how much money he has left after expenses.
