Franken raises nearly $2m in second quarter

Democratic U.S. Sen. Al Franken raised nearly $2 million over the last three months and has $3 million on hand as he heads into his first reelection battle next fall.

Franken, whose campagin released his second quarter numbers on Thursday, said that money came from nearly 30,000 donors and a majority of the contributions were for $100 or less.

“We are thrilled with the continued strong grassroots support from across Minnesota — and particularly pleased by the more than 13,000 first time donors to our campaign,” Matt Burgess, Franken’s campaign manager, wrote in a statement.

Franken already has two Republican challengers and likely more on the way. That includes Minneapolis businessman Mike McFadden, who says he raised $700,000 in the first month of his campaign for the Senate. GOP Rep. Jim Abeler, who is also running for the seat, has not released his fundraising numbers.

Republican state Sen. Julianne Ortman is also openly considering a run for the seat; she is expected to make an announcement soon.