Marco Rubio, the upstart, conservative challenger to the NRSC-backed Gov. Charlie Crist, announced today in an e-mail to supporters that he raised "almost $1 million during the 3rd quarter" fundraising period.

Crist has not yet announced his fundraising total for the months of July, August and September, though it's likely to be well ahead of Rubio. Exact totals won't be known until the Oct. 15 filing deadline.

Still, the fundraising quarter was a success for the campaign, Rubio spokesman Alex Burgos told RealClearPolitics. Rubio has always known he can't compete financially with Crist, but instead will rely on a more grassroots approach. Whatever Rubio's exact number is, it will be far more than his 2nd quarter take of $350,000; Crist raised $4.4 million last quarter.

Burgos confirmed to RCP a report that Karl Rove had donated money to the campaign. He said the donation took place over the internet Saturday Oct. 3, so it won't show up on a fundraising report until the 4th quarter, due Jan. 15.