Reid raises $2.2 million in first quarter

Sen. Harry Reid raised more than $2 million for his re-election campaign in the first three months of 2009, according to the campaign finance report that was due to the Federal Election Commission today.

That puts his total fundraising at an intimidating $7.5 million with more than a year and a half to go before the election. In a press release, Reid's campaign manager, Brandon Hall, made the implication explicit: Reid hopes all that cash will scare potential opponents away.

"Anyone considering running against Senator Reid should know that we will be armed and ready to run an aggressive campaign,” Hall said.

Reid spent half a million in the first quarter and has spent $3.3 million on the campaign thus far; his cash on hand stands at a little over $5 million.