Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D) raised more than $490,000 in the first quarter of 2010.

A Republican rival raised more, but Giffords went into April with a cash cushion of about $2 million.

Former state Sen. Jonathan Paton (R) said his campaign raised $501,000 in the quarter. Paton did not disclose his cash on hand.

Giffords’ campaign also boasts that she now has received contributions from nearly 4,000 individuals.

Republicans are heavily targeting the 8th district, and the national party and allied groups have already aired anti-Giffords advertising.

Paton’s GOP rivals have not yet announced their first-quarter fundraising totals.