About one-fourth of his money came in the last three months, much of it from individuals in his 11-county central New York district, Boehlert reported this week to the Federal Election Commission.

The 11-term congressman had $562,588 in the bank by the end of March. David Walrath, a Cayuga County surgeon who nearly beat Boehlert in a 2002 primary, has not yet decided whether to run again.

Still, a campaign committee he created reported Wednesday that it had raised $79,882 between Jan.1 and March 31, the dates covered by the latest disclosure reports to the FEC. His report also signaled that he is getting some support from members of Club for Growth, a national conservative group that has long wanted to target Boehlert, a moderate Republican. The organization has not formally decided whether to back Walrath or oppose Boehlert.

The club steered $1,550 to Walrath's campaign from three members in Arizona, Texas and New York. Meanwhile, Walrath's 2002 campaign still owes $30,932 to a Buffalo bank.

Utica College professor Jeffrey Miller and Ithaca area labor leader Brian Goodell -- two Democrats interested in Boehlert's seat -- have not yet filed campaign finance reports covering the first quarter of 2004. Candidates must raise at least $5,000 before they are required to file reports.

Boehlert continued to step up his fund-raising pace Wednesday. He said he expected to net between $75,000 and $100,000 from a New York City event hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

He said he still hopes to raise more than $1 million, about what he spent for his 2002 campaign. A key difference this time is that Boehlert has raised more money earlier.

A moderate Republican, Boehlert has been considered a juicy target of national conservative groups upset with his liberal voting record. He has said he wants to be prepared for a primary challenge.

"This won't be like the last time," he said. "The last time was a sneak attack in which Walrath lied about my record. This time, we will have a truth squad."

Walrath couldn't be immediately reached for comment.

Boehlert's recent fund raising reflects his drive to show support from both conservative GOP leaders in the Republican-controlled House and other moderate Republicans. So far, he has financial support from the top three House GOP leaders.

Meanwhile, the Republican Main Street Partnership, a key group of moderates, contributed $2,500 and provided other services valued at $2,362, according to Boehlert's latest report. The Main Street Partnership was founded by fellow New York Republican Amo Houghton.