HELENA — U.S. Sen. Max Baucus is reporting strong fundraising as he prepares for his 2014 re-election campaign.
Baucus’ campaign finance reports filed Tuesday show he raised $1.5 million over the first three months of the year. He holds $5 million in his campaign coffers, with the election more than 1 ½ years away.
Baucus starts the 2014 race with a significant fundraising and name recognition advantage over early Republican hopefuls.
The six-term Democrat is the third-longest serving U.S. senator.
Former state senator Corey Stapleton reported Tuesday that he raised about $140,000 in the first quarter. The Billings financial adviser and former naval officer finished second last year in a crowded Republican primary field seeking to be governor.
Current state Rep. Champ Edmunds of Missoula did not release his fundraising total Tuesday.