Peterson Ramps Up Fundraising For Firm Cash Lead

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Rep. Collin Peterson holds a steady cash advantage over his Republican challenger for his surprisingly competitive re-election bid.

Peterson had nearly $762,000 banked as of the end of September compared to Republican state Sen. Torrey Westrom's $400,000, according to recently filed fundraising reports. The 12-term Democrat raised almost $350,000 in the third quarter — his largest haul in years and about $100,000 more than Westrom pulled in.

Since taking office in 1991, Peterson has easily cruised to re-election in the 7th District that covers much of western Minnesota.

But national Republican groups have made a big effort this year to oust the Democrat from his conservative-leaning district. Democratic groups have also come to Peterson's aid with ads attacking Westrom's tenure in the state Legislature.