Brian Schatz, the former Democratic Party of Hawaii chairman and state lawmaker, raised the most campaign money during the past two months in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor.

Schatz raised $161,094 between July and September and had collected $615,027 overall. He made a $15,000 personal loan to his campaign in August and had a $50,000 loan from his father last year.

Former state Sen. Robert Bunda was second for the period at $127,475 and had raised $393,859 overall. Bunda lent his campaign $25,000 in September.

State Sen. Norman Sakamoto was at $106,921 for the period and $647,073 overall.

Schatz and Sakamoto, who have spent most of their campaign contributions, were leading a crowded field in a Hawaii Poll taken last month. Bunda had the most cash on hand at $78,050.

"We’re pleased with our momentum," Schatz said. "People are responding to our message of focusing on the economy and on education."

Bunda, a former Senate president, said he believes independent and undecided voters are moving toward him because of his experience.

"To me, the fact that we are closing the gap in fundraising is an indication that we are also closing the gap in the polls," he said in a statement. "My campaign has gained tremendous momentum in the last few weeks and the donations are a sign that people believe I can win the primary election."

Sakamoto said: "I am fortunate that so many people have tried to help us by volunteering and (also) monetarily."

Former state Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser raised $92,440 during the past two months and $295,508 overall. Hooser said his campaign has met the threshold for public matching funds.

In the Republican primary for lieutenant governor, state House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan raised $55,805 during the past two months and collected $155,278 overall. She had $10,121 in cash on hand.

Her opponent, attorney Adrienne King, raised $34,455 during the period, including $12,135 in personal loans. She had raised $76,639 overall and had $4,928 in cash on hand.