Minn. Dem Franken Says He Has $2M Banked For 2014

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken is spreading the news about his re-election fundraising with a video that ends with word he has $2 million banked.

The first-term senator has no announced Republican challenger, so he has a head start on the competition for what is expected to be a pricey 2014 contest.

Franken's video, which was released Thursday, says he raised $1.98 million toward his next campaign in the first three months of this year. His campaign spokesman added separately that Franken attracted 19,000 first-time donors. Franken is making a play for small donors through giving contests, including one that offered the chance to join him at the home of late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien.

Fundraising figures for 2014 candidates are supposed to be filed with regulators by Monday.

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