Businessman Patrick Murphy, the Democrat challenging outspoken Florida Rep. Allen West (R), pulled in $350,000 in the first three months of this year, his campaign said. Murphy ended the quarter with more than a million dollars in the bank.

“I am humbled by the support that I have received from contributors big and small,” he said in a statement. “Our campaign is growing every day, in part because the residents of the 18th district need a leader who is going to be a responsible, reasonable voice. They want someone who can not only get to work, but work together.”

West, who courted controversy in recent days by claiming there were scores of Communists in Congress, is one of the best fundraisers in the chamber.

In the off-cycle year of 2011, he raised $5.8 million, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Roll Call rates the 18th district race as Leans Republican.