Merkley-Novick race shaping up as pricey

The primary race between Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Jeff Merkley and Steve Novick has become a $2 million affair.

Merkley, Oregon's House speaker, raised $455,000 during 2008's first quarter, giving him $1.3 million since he began seeking funds eight months ago.

Novick raised $346,000 the first quarter, giving him $889,000 overall. The pair are vying to face Republican Sen. Gordon Smith in November's general election.

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In contrast, Nebraska Democratic senate hopefuls Scott Kleeb has raised $281,000 and Tony Raimondo has raised $140,000, according to the Omaha World-Herald newspaper.

Jake Weigler, Novick's campaign manager, said the figure marks a 57 percent increase over what the candidate raised during 2007's fourth quarter. Some 77 percent of Novick's money comes from state residents, Weigler said.

"We are confident that we will be able to counter Jeff Merkley's out-of-state fundraising advantage in the primary and offer a strong challenge to Gordon Smith in the general election," Weigler said in a release.

Novick's campaign has $195,000 in hand.

Merkley's 4,000 contributors include more than 2,300 Oregon residents, said Matt Canter, Merkley's spokesman.