NASHVILLE - Republican Marsha Blackburn said today she raised more than $2 million for her U.S. Senate effort during the first quarter of 2018, out-doing Democratic candidate Phil Bredesen.
"I am grateful for the strong grassroots support we have received from Tennesseans across the state," the Brentwood congressman said in a news release. "These resources are vital as we work to keep Tennessee red and defeat Phil Bredesen in November."
Blackburn's campaign says the candidate has nearly $6 million in cash and "remains well positioned" to beat Bredesen, a former Tennessee governor.
The campaign says some 6,900 donors contributed to her effort during the Jan. 1 through March 31 reporting period. The average contribution was $166.78, according to the campaign.
"I will continue to listen to Tennesseans and share my ideas on how we can get the United States Senate back to work and pass President Trump's agenda," Blackburn said.
Bredesen's campaign said earlier today he raised more than $1.8 million for his effort while personally loaning or guaranteeing loans of $1.4 million to "jump start" TV and digital advertising in early March.
Blackburn announced for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., in early October. Bredesen entered the race in early December.
At the time, Bredesen said he hoped to avoid having to put personal resources into the Senate campaign but did not rule out doing so.