Former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker raised more than $700,000 in the second quarter, more than the combined efforts of opponents Van Hilleary and Ed Bryant.

Candidates for the U.S. Senate were required to file their up-to-date fundraising reports for the period ending June 30th on Friday.

Ed Bryant was second with $328,000 and Van Hilleary was last with $309,000.

TeamGOP, a conservative Republican group, criticized the Corker campaign, referring to the candidate as "Sponge Bob."

TeamGOP said, "Bob Corker and the Haslams raised more than both of the seasoned politicians combined this quarter and for the campaign thus far. They should be pleased…perhaps there is some comfort in the belief elections can be bought by the rich and powerful.

"The most important number, cash on hand thus far: Sponge Bob has roughly $2.9 million, Van Hilleary has less than $700,000 and Ed Bryant has roughly $600,000.

"There are thousands of Republicans who are 'waiting to see to whom should they give to: Van Hilleary or Ed Bryant. Their determination (evidently) will be which one of the two, Ed or Van, begins to show a lead. REPUBLICANS CANNOT WAIT. Votes on election day are more important than dollars, but dollars helps your candidate get more votes.

"If you are an Ed Bryant supporter, it is time to cowboy-up and donate to his campaign HERE. If you want Van Hilleary to win, open your checkbook and donate to his campaign HERE.

"Millions of Americans are sick and tired of being sick and tired of electing mediocre politicians who are self-righteous, self-absorbed and seek only power and influence to help themselves and their friends.

"Tennessee deserves better than a Harold Ford or a Bob Corker."

The Hilleary campaign had this comment on the fundraising situation:

"Van Hilleary's campaign has overtaken Ed Bryant's campaign in the race for support among conservative activists.

"Van is raising money at a pace of $47,500 per week - almost 50% faster than Ed Bryant's pace of around $32,000 per week.

"What's more, our campaign is proving to be more efficient. As of June 30, Van had $675,572 in cash-on-hand -- compared to just $597,000 for the Bryant campaign, despite the fact that Bryant had a two-month head start. Van is determined to store up the resources to win this race.

"Obviously, there's a long way and a lot more work to do to make sure that Tennessee elects a conservative Senator with the courage of his convictions in! stead of Bob Corker. But with each passing day, it is becoming more clear that Van Hilleary is the ONE conservative candidate in position to win.

"Thanks to all of you who pitched in to help build support for Van in the last three and a half months. Just in the last few weeks, Van's had great fundraisers across Tennessee: in Gallatin at the home of Sen. Diane Black, in Murfreesboro, in Brentwood, in Morristown, and in Jefferson County.

"Van's message that we need a strong conservative who will stand up and fight for traditional values, for lower taxes, for immigration reform, for President Bush's judicial nominees, and to support our military is coming through loud and clear. Your hard work is paying off -- and the big winner in the end will be Tennessee's conservative majority."