Fiorina reportedly raises $7 million after strong debate performances

WASHINGTON — A campaign aide says Carly Fiorina has raised almost $7 million for her Republican presidential bid in the past three months.

The former technology executive substantially boosted her fundraising after two strong debate performances. Her total take between July and September exceeds that of at least two competitors, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.

Unlike that many of the presidential candidates, Fiorina's fundraising improved in recent months. She had raised just $1.7 million between her campaign kickoff in early May and the end of June and has been relying heavily on outside money.

Fiorina deputy campaign manager Sarah Isgur Flores says the campaign ended September with $5.5 million cash on hand.

Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson is leading the Republican field in recent fundraising, having netted $20 million.