Michele Bachmann hauls in $4.5M

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) has raised a whopping $4.5 million in the last three months, a huge haul for the Tea Party favorite and former presidential candidate.

The three-month total could prove to be the largest of any House member this cycle, topping that of fellow conservative Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), who exceeded $4 million in his own quarter. Bachmann's campaign did not say how much she has left in the bank, but it's likely to be substantial.

"I am humbled by the enormous outpouring of grassroots support for my campaign focused on keeping America the most secure and prosperous nation in the world," Bachmann said in a statement. "I am fighting aggressively every day to create jobs and do everything I can to make life more affordable for Minnesota families, and I am honored to represent their voice in Congress."

Bachmann is running in a newly drawn, Republican-leaning district that would have given President Obama 43 percent of its vote. She's facing a tougher opponent than in previous contests, but is favored to win reelection. The huge fundraising quarter means Bachmann will have no problem staying on the air with advertising through Election Day.

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