Columbus, Ohio (AP) -- Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman has taken a fundraising lead in the four-way race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. George Voinovich in 2010.

During a Washington news conference Wednesday, the former Bush cabinet official said he raised $1.7 million from April to June, taking his total to $4.3 million.

That includes $1.4 million still on hand from his congressional days.

The total gave Portman a comfortable lead over his long-shot opponent for the republican nomination, northeast Ohio car dealer Tom Ganley.

He also outraised the two democrats vying for the seat.

Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher reported raising more than $900,000 for the quarter, for a total of $1.9 million.

Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner raised $207,000 for the quarter, for a total of $435,000.

(Copyright 2009 By The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)