Sen. Rand Paul took in more than $1 million for his political committees in the third quarter, according to a top adviser to the Kentucky Republican.
Politico called it a strong showing for a senator not facing re-election next year, and especially for a freshman lawmaker whose seat doesn't come up again until 2016.
Paul, however, has achieved a high profile since winning election as a tea party candidate in 2010 and has made no secret of being interested in a possible presidential run.
The contributions to Paul were spread out among three entities —Rand Paul for Senate, RANDPAC, and Rand Paul Victory. The money helped raise Paul's Senate campaign fund to $1.25 million as of Sept. 30, the senator's adviser told Politico.
If Paul decides to make a run for the presidency in 2016, the money in his Senate campaign fund could be transferred directly to a broader national campaign.
According to a Newsmax/Zogby poll released Thursday, Paul stands in third place among possible Republican-favored presidential candidates, with 10.1 percent support.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie leads with 11.4 percent, followed by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush with 11.2 percent.
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