Bachmann Notches $4.5 Million for Election Bid

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann has scooped up another $4.5 million for her Minnesota re-election campaign and entered the stretch run with a healthy amount in reserve.

Bachmann's fundraising for the three months ending Sept. 30 is the latest big figure she has notched over the years. After expenses, she reportedly had $3.5 million available for the final month of campaigning.

Democratic newcomer Jim Graves, a hotel chain owner, is challenging Bachmann's bid for a fourth term. He has yet to report fundraising totals for the same period and has until Monday to do so.

Bachmann decided to run again after dropping out of the presidential race. The White House run left her with a sizable debt, which she has whittled away at by transferring funds from her congressional account.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)