Midland University President Benjamin Sasse has raised $800,000 in his first quarter as a candidate for Nebraska’s open Senate seat, one of his top aides confirmed to CQ Roll Call.

Republican Sen. Mike Johanns is retiring, leaving an open GOP primary for his seat in 2014. Sasse’s top competition for the nomination is former state Treasurer Shane Osborn. The GOP nominee will likely be the next senator from this reliably Republican state.

The books closed for the most recent three-month fundraising period for federal candidates on Sept. 30. Candidates for Congress must file their reports with the Federal Election Commission for the third quarter by Oct. 15.

None of Sasse’s fundraising came from his own pocketbook, said aide Tyler Grassmeyer in a phone interview this week.

Osborn raised $234,000 in the April to June period — his first quarter as a candidate for Senate.

Attorney Bart McLeay and Pinnacle Bank executive Sid Dinsdale are also running for GOP nod.

The Nebraska Senate race is rated a Safe Republican contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.