Richard Corcoran, former chief of staff to House Speaker Marco Rubio, declared in a news release this afternoon that he had raised more than $185,000 for his bid to replace Nancy Argenziano in the state Senate.

"My contributions show a strong level of local support for my candidacy,” Corcoran said in the statement, noting he began raising money with only 17 days left in the first quarter. "I received over 250 contributions from within the district.  They come from a broad base of supporters, including small business owners, doctors, lawyers, teachers, builders, and retirees."

The release seems an attempt to show Corcoran as a formidable player in the race. It has already attracted Reps. Dennis Baxley and Charles Dean, who also are Republicans. Both men have more name recognition than Corcoran, but neither can raise money during the 60-day legislative session.