Minn. Senate candidates tally most campaign funds in '08

Minneapolis (AP) — The candidates for U.S. Senate in Minnesota have raised more money for their race so far than in any other Senate race in the country in 2008.

The current candidates, led by incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken, have raised a total of $18.5 million. That's more than candidates in states like Texas, Illinois and Massachussetts.

The Minnesota candidates have also spent more combined so far than candidates in all but one other state. The race between Coleman and presumed Democratic candidate Franken is expected to be the most expensive political contest in Minnesota's history.

The numbers were compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan Washington, D.C.-based organization that tracks money in politics.