Jeff Crank, who is challenging freshman Rep. Doug Lamborn in next year’s 5th district Republican primary, reported raising $77,000 since jumping into the race seven weeks ago.

Crank finished the third-quarter reporting period with more than $70,000 in cash on hand, according to a campaign aide, although the exact figure was unavailable Wednesday.

“The outpouring of support is gratifying and motivating,” Crank said in a statement. “We are humbled by the many new people who have joined our team and we are particularly proud to see many familiar names on our supporter rolls.”

Crank finished a close second to Lamborn in the 2006 Republican primary, a crowded, mud-slinging affair that left Crank itching for a rematch. Crank was a one-time aide to popular former Rep. Joel Hefley (R), the popular former Member who retired last year after two decades of service and withheld his endorsement of Lamborn in the general election after backing Crank in the primary.

This time around, Crank’s effort could be aided by the fact that the primary is likely to be less crowded, although retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Bentley Rayburn (R), who also ran in 2006, is poised to announce his 2008 candidacy.

— David M. Drucker