Steve Israel rakes in $280K, hires high profile fundraiser

Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), who is rumored to be considering a Senate run, stepped up his fundraising in the first quarter and recently hired a high-profile consultant, a spokeswoman confirmed to The Hill this afternoon.

The Democrat, considered a possible primary challenger to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D), raised $280,000 in the first quarter and finished with $1.7 million in his war chest. The sum shows Israel has increased his fundraising efforts but also indicates he has a long way to go to catch Gillibrand, who raised $2.3 million last quarter.

In another sign that he may have his sights set on Gillibrand, Israel recently hired Lisa Gioia to spearhead his fundraising,