Patrick Steps Up Fundraising In Governor's Race

Gov. Deval Patrick is pulling in more money than Republican rival Charles Baker heading into the final weeks of the gubernatorial campaign.

According to aides for the candidates, Patrick raised about $670,000 in September compared to nearly $562,000 for Baker. Patrick's total was boosted by an appeal from his wife Diane that netted $31,000.

When combined with fundraising from running mate Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and the state Democratic Party, the total topped $1.7 million.

The total for Baker, when combined with fundraising from running mate Richard Tisei and the state Republican Party, neared $1.3 million. That's not counting another $500,000 for the state GOP from a fundraiser with John McCain.

Independent candidate Tim Cahill's campaign was still tallying its fundraising totals.