Bachmann leads political money chase

Rep. Michele Bachmann took in more than $300,000 during the first three months of the year and had nearly a quarter-million dollars in the bank as of the end of March, according to newly released reports from the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Among the Minnesota legislators who have so far reported first-quarter fundraising figures to the FEC, Bachmann has pulled in the most cash.

Federal legislators have until midnight tonight to file their first-quarter reports. No data is yet available for Rep. Colin Peterson or for Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Fundraising reports for senators generally take longer to post on the FEC’s web site because they are initially filed with the Secretary of the Senate, rather than directly with the agency.

Among those who have filed, Rep. Erik Paulsen was the next most prolific fundraiser in the first three months of 2009. The freshman Republican raised $222,000 and has roughly $190,000 in the bank. Paulsen’s comfortable 2008 victory for an open House seat in a swing district has drawn notice in GOP circles.

Next up is Rep. Jim Oberstar, who brought in nearly $200,000. The powerful chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is currently sitting on a war chest of more than $800,000. Considering he won re-election to an 18th term last year by a better than two-to-one margin, this money is unlikely to be needed.

Rep. Tim Walz, who easily won a second term in 2008, pulled in $157,000 in the first quarter and has $111,000 currently in the bank. He’s followed closely by fourth-term Rep. John Kline, with $142,000 raised and $103,000 currently in the coffers.

Bringing up the rear are Democratic Reps. Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison, both occupying extremely safe seats. The former took in just over $100,000 in the first three months of 2009 and has roughly the same amount in the bank. Ellison raised just $77,000 and has $54,000 cash on hand.