McMahon challenger raises $187k

Freshman Rep. Mike McMahon (D-N.Y.) could have a well-funded challenge on his hands.

Climate lobbyist Michael Allegretti (R), who quietly entered the race a few months ago, turned in a surprisingly strong fundraising report for the third quarter, raising $187,000 and banking $155,000.

McMahon comes from a GOP-leaning Staten Island district, but Republicans have been unable to find anybody worthwhile to run for the seat ever since Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) announced his retirement and an illegitimate daughter in May 2008.

The fill-in GOP nominee later died, and his replacement, Bob Straniere, raised less money for that race than Allegretti has. McMahon wound up sailing in the general election.

Allegretti is in his early 30s, and he serves as senior advisor on U.S. policy at The Climate Group.