Former surgeon general raises half-million in 6 weeks for Ariz. Senate bid

Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona raised $570,000 for his campaign for the Senate in Arizona in the first six weeks after jumping in the race.

Carmona, who is running as a Democrat despite serving in Republican President George W. Bush's administration, launched his campaign in November, leaving him only a month and a half to raise funds before the first reporting deadline at the end of 2011.

Carmona's campaign told the AP that more than 300 donors had contributed to his campaign.

Carmona faces a primary challenge from Don Bivens, a former chairman of the state's Democratic Party, but has yet to make public appearances or fully roll out his Senate campaign. The two are competing for the nomination to replace the retiring Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.). The winner is expected to face Republican Rep. Jeff Flake (Ariz.) in the general election.

The Army veteran and former law-enforcement official also announced kick-off events Tuesday in Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., giving him his first major opportunity to personally introduce himself to voters.