Iowa Republican crushes Dem in 3rd fundraising quarter

Iowa state Sen. Joni Ernst (R) hauled in $4.5 million over the past three months, outpacing Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa), who brought in $2.8 million in the same span for their competitive Senate race. 

{mosads}Ernst surged out of the gate following a dominant June primary win. The haul is more than double the $1.8 million she raised in the previous quarter and helps her close the financial edge Braley enjoyed for much of the campaign, while she dealt with a contested primary.

She’s had help from numerous big-name Republicans, since she won her primary, and Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and John Thune (R-S.D.) will join her for more fundraising on Wednesday.

Neither candidate announced how much cash they have left for the final month of campaigning. Braley had $2.7 million in the bank as of the end of June, while Ernst had just $1.1 million at that point.

Recent polling has indicated Ernst holds a small lead over Braley in Iowa, a state Democrats likely need to win if they hope to hold the Senate this fall.