Gillan leads Democrats in quarterly fundraising

HELENA (AP) — State Sen. Kim Gillan is leading the other candidates in fundraising in the campaign for the 2012 Democratic nomination for Montana's U.S. House seat.

Gillan's campaign reported Friday that the Billings Democrat had raised about $97,000 from July to October and has $90,046 in the bank.

State Rep. Franke Wilmer of Bozeman was next, reporting $55,559 raised for the quarter and $41,757 on hand. Wilmer also loaned her campaign $7,500.

Missoula City Council member Dave Strohmaier raised $22,636 for the three-month period and has $14,617 left.

The newest Democratic candidate, former legislative lawyer Rob Stutz, says he raised $10,050 and has $5,131 in cash.

Republican Steve Daines of Bozeman had previously reported raising $180,000 over the last quarter in his bid to succeed U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg.