By AP
LANSING, MI –
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow's campaign is reporting that the Michigan Democrat raised over $1.2 million in the last three months of 2011, leaving her with a $5.9 million campaign chest to ward off a Republican rival this fall.
Eight Republicans are vying for the chance to unseat Stabenow, who's running for a third term.
Ex-Rep. Pete Hoekstra's campaign reports he raised $1 million in the fourth quarter, while charter schools executive Clark Durant says he raised just over $600,000.
Stabenow continues to have millions more on hand than Republicans. However, independent spending by outside groups also is expected to play a role in the campaign.
Campaign finance reports were expected to be filed Tuesday with the Federal Elections Commission. A copy of Stabenow's report was obtained by The Associated Press.