NASHVILLE (AP) - State Rep. Joe Carr's campaign says the Republican raised just than $52,000 in the first fundraising period of his challenge of U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander.

Carr told talk radio host Ralph Bristol on WTN-FM earlier Wednesday he had raised "a little bit less than $100,000" in the third quarter. A campaign spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a message seeking an explanation for the wide disparity.

Carr said on the radio show that he had been more focused during the quarter on gaining tea party endorsements than on raising money.

Alexander disclosed on Tuesday that he had raised nearly $838,000 in the third quarter and that his total since the beginning of the year was $3.9 million. He had $2.8 million remaining on hand.