Bachmann hauls in more than $2 million

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) raised more than $2 million during the first quarter of the year as she weighs a 2012 run for president.

Bachmann hauled in $1.7 million for her congressional campaign account and another $500,000 for her federal political action committee, MichelePAC.

{mosads}So far, Bachmann’s first quarter number tops the rumored 2012 field, just edging former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who raised $1.9 million through his Free and Strong America PAC.

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), who’s still deciding on another presidential bid, raised just over $1 million for his Liberty PAC. 

The impressive first quarter haul shows Bachmann could be a fundraising force if she opted for a run next year. Her fundraising prowess was evident during the 2010 cycle, when she raised a staggering $13.5 million for her House race. But proving it early in a wide open presidential primary battle is doubly important. 

The fundraising figure comes just as Bachmann has made her presence known in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire. The potential 2012 contender has stepped up her appearances in both early states and is already putting together staff in anticipation of run.

Should Bachmann move forward, she’d form an exploratory committee by June at the latest.