Photo: Minnesota Independent

Photo: Minnesota Independent

Rep. Michele Bachmann raised $285,125 in the second quarter of 2009, according to new Federal Election Commission filings. The second-term Republican had almost $400,000 in the bank at the end of June. By contrast, Rep. Betty McCollum reported raising less than $70,000 in the period from April through June. The St. Paul Democrat, who is serving her fifth term, had just over $90,000 cash on hand at the close of the quarter.

At least two Democrats — former Blaine Mayor Elwyn Tinklenberg and former Lt. Governor candidate Maureen Reed — are challenging Bachmann. In addition, Eric Black reports today that he’s “confident” State Senate Minority Leader Tarryl Clark will join the race. (A call to Clark by MnIndy seeking confirmation wasn’t immediately returned.) Reed reported raising $230,000 in the first two months after announcing her candidacy.

Bachmann won re-election in 2008 by just three percentage points. The Cook Political Report currently lists the race as leaning Republican.

McCollum has not faced a serious electoral challenge since initially winning office in 2000. In the last election cycle she garnered 68 percent of the vote.