Rep. Flake raises $1 million for Senate run

Arizona Rep. Jeff Flake (R) announced Monday he raised more than $1 million in the first quarter of 2011 for his nascent Senate bid.

Flake declared on Valentine's Day he would seek the seat being vacated by Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.). Combined with the money he had in his House account, Flake now has some $1.5 million banked for his Senate run, according to his campaign.

"Our tremendous finance committee includes most of Arizona's hardest-working Republicans, and we couldn't be happier with the strong showing we've received from all over the country," Flake said in a statement. "I'm very grateful to all who have shown their early support. This campaign is off to a great start."

At the moment, Flake has a clear shot at the GOP nomination. Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), who was mulling a bid, announced Friday he wouldn't make a run. That leaves just former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) as a potential primary rival for Flake.