Graves is seeking a rematch against Bachmann. Bachmann challenger rakes in cash

It pays to run against Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann – literally.

Since announcing his bid to unseat the controversial GOP congresswoman last week, Democrat Jim Graves has raked in over $100,000, his campaign said.


Graves, a wealthy hotel company executive, is seeking a rematch after waging one of the closest races in the country in 2012. The Democrat came within 5,000 votes – or 1.2 percentage points — of unseating Bachmann, a former GOP presidential candidate who is serving her fourth term in Congress.

The Democrat enters the race as the underdog. Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District tilts conservative, and Bachmann is one of the House’s most formidable fundraisers. During the first quarter, she raised over $678,000 – the third-highest of any House member.

“Minnesota is clearly ready for an independent voice who has the business experience to bring both sides together to get deals done and create jobs,” Graves said in a statement. “We’ve seen an outpouring of support from thousands who are ready for someone who will work for Minnesota.”

Bachmann’s campaign back account has come under scrutiny from the Federal Election Commission and Office of Congressional Ethics, which are looking into allegations that she paid an Iowa state senator to work for her presidential campaign – which would be a violation of the legislature’s rules.