Democrat Gail Schwartz raised $622,960 in her first fundraising quarter, outpacing her rival, U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, whose campaign raised more than $400,000. But the Cortez Republican has nearly twice as much money in the bank, according to preliminary figures.

Schwartz had $549,421 on hand at the end of the second quarter, which ran from April 1 to June 30, her campaign said. Tipton will report roughly $980,000 on hand for the period, a campaign spokesman said, noting that precise figures weren’t available on Thursday.

Reports are due to the Federal Election Commission on Friday.

“The people of Colorado are responding to our message of real representation, and they’re clearly willing to show their support,” said Schwartz, a former state senator and CU regent, in a statement announcing her numbers. Colorado residents accounted for roughly 70 percent of her individual donations, her campaign said.

She announced in early April she was challenging Tipton, who is seeking his fourth term representing the sprawling 3rd Congressional District.

“I’m humbled and energized by the outpouring of support that we have received from people across Colorado’s 3rd District,” Schwartz said. “Hardworking families are responding to a positive message of protecting our rural way of life, creating good paying jobs and investing in schools and infrastructure. Ultimately, this is just the beginning, and I know that we are going up against deep-pocketed, out-of-state special interests – but I’ve never backed away from a challenge, and I’m not going to start now.”

Tipton’s campaign manager was having none of it.

“Good paying jobs? Who is she kidding?” said Michael Fortney. “She is literally responsible for destroying thousands of good-paying jobs in the district she represented in the state Senate. Gail is just saying words; she is seriously out of touch with reality.”

A Republican campaign veteran noted that Tipton’s 2012 opponent, then-state Rep. Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, posted $789,000 cash on hand at the same point that year and Tipton ended up “crushing ” him by 12 points in the Republican’s first re-election bid, in what was also a presidential-election year. “I think that is an important reference point to keep in mind before fainting over (Schwartz’s ) cash on hand,” the operative added.

– ernest@coloradostatesman.com