WBRZ - Baton Rouge

Republican Sen. David Vitter continues to hold a strong lead over his Democratic challenger, Rep. Charlie Melancon, in fundraising for this fall's Senate race.

According to finance reports provided Tuesday by the campaigns,Vitter raised $1.2 million in the last quarter of 2009, compared to $600,000 for Melancon. Melancon has less than half the cash on hand that the incumbent senator has.

Melancon reported a $2 million balance at the end of the reporting period. Vitter reported a $4.5 million
balance.

The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 28, with the general
election Nov. 2.