"Facing the prospect of a tough primary in 2010, appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is doing her best to discourage any and all comers, and she's got the bankroll to prove it," The Hill reports.
In an email to supporters, Gillibrand announced that she raised more than $2.3 million in the two months since she was appointed.
"The number is one of the biggest quarters turned in by any Senate candidate in recent election cycles and serves notice that taking on Gillibrand will not be cheap -- or easy."
A new Quinnipiac poll shows Gillibrand still trails Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) in a Democratic primary match-up, 33% to 29%.