Senate fundraising: Franken bests Coleman in 3rd quarter

Minnesota’s Senate candidates are raising huge amounts of money — more than $30 million this cycle, as of the end of the 3rd quarter, which ended Sept. 30.

DFLer Al Franken reported out-raising Republican Sen. Norm Coleman for the quarter. Franken raised $4.4 million and Coleman raked in $1.6 million, but Coleman still leads the money race. He’s got $4 million cash on hand and raised $18 million this cycle. Franken has $2.8 million on hand and has raised $15.9 million. Numbers have not yet been released for Independence Party candidate Dean Barkley.

The Franken campaign says its fundraising for the quarter is the largest in Minnesota history.