Former Gov. Linda Lingle has raised more than $1.7 million for her Republican primary campaign for U.S. Senate in the last quarter, according to her campaign.

"I am very grateful for the strong support the community has shown me in the first two and a half months of my campaign for U.S. Senate. Contributors not only have supported me financially, but they have invited me into their homes and businesses to discuss issues important to their families and companies, including the economy and jobs, and Social Security and Medicare," Lingle said in a statement. "In these difficult economic times, I am honored and humbled to have so many local donors and such a significant amount of contributions from voters across the state."

Lingle has said that she could raise a record $8 million to $10 million for her campaign. The former governor faces attorney and former state lawmaker John Carroll in the GOP primary. 

 "It’s not at all surprising that Republican Linda Lingle, who introduced Sarah Palin to the world and campaigned hard against Barack Obama, has raised a lot of money from fellow Republicans who are counting on her to support their agenda," Hirono campaign finance chair Jadine Nielsen said. "They know what they’re getting by donating to her, and we have no doubt that Lingle will continue to do everything she can to stop President Obama’s agenda of creating jobs, protecting our air and water, and improving our kids’ education.  

"Unlike Lingle, Mazie Hirono will go to the Senate to work on the side of the people of Hawaii, and not to block the president’s agenda. That’s why over 48,000 people have joined our campaign."

Case said he is still completing his quarterly report, which is not due until the end of the month. He acknowledged that he would continue to trail in fundraising.

"Mazie and Linda only released their fundraising totals. Just where is their money coming from? From the mainland and D.C. PACs and special interests like so far? Or from the folks of Hawaii where I’ve been spending my time?" Case said in a statement. "That’s the whole problem with D.C. today: All they care about is who can rake in the most money, who they can control, and not who can get the job done. If it’s just about another senator bought and paid for before she’s sworn in, we’ll never fix our problems."

The U.S. Senate seat is open because U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, is retiring.