ST. PAUL — Former state Rep. Phil Krinkie has put down a big marker on his congressional campaign in Minnesota’s 6th District.

He said on Tuesday he has loaned his campaign $300,000, adding to the $40,000 he said he collected from donors since joining the race in July. He is among several Republicans vying to succeed retiring GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

Candidates are beginning to report their campaign figures for the July through September fundraising period.

After expenses, Krinkie reports having at least $300,000 in the bank. The heating and cooling company owner said he dipped into personal funds to, in his words, “do what it takes to succeed.”

The other GOP candidates are: former state Rep. Tom Emmer, state Sen. John Pederson and Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah. The district leans Republican.