Republican Roy Blunt and Democrat Robin Carnahan each took in more than $1 million this past quarter — and spent most of it — as they built up their campaigns for Missouri’s 2010 Senate race.

Campaign finance reports released Thursday show Blunt raised more money than Carnahan for the second straight reporting period, slightly widening his cash advantage. But the gap is not large, and both campaigns are likely to receive considerable aid from their national political parties.

Missouri’s race to replace retiring Republican Sen. Kit Bond is expected to be among the most closely contested next year as Republicans seek to dent the Democrats’ filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

In the race to replace Kansan Sam Brownback in the U.S. Senate, Rep. Jerry Moran widened the campaign funding gap between himself and fellow Kansas Republican Rep. Todd Tiahrt, according to documents filed Thursday with federal election officials.

Moran reported to the Federal Election Commission that he has more than $3.4 million in cash on hand, up from $3.1 million at the end of July. Tiahrt began and ended the reporting period with about $1.4 million available.

The U.S. Senate race is considered the marquee race in Kansas, pitting the two longtime Republican congressmen in a primary to succeed Brownback, who kept a promise to step down after serving two terms in the Senate. He is running for governor.

Blunt, who represents southwest Missouri’s 7th Congressional District, raised $1.3 million from July through September and spent $789,986. Carnahan, Missouri’s secretary of state, raised a little less than $1.1 million and spent $601,481.

After adding previous contributions and subtracting expenses, Blunt reported almost $2.3 million remaining in his campaign account, and Carnahan had more than $1.8 million.

Blunt and Carnahan both are spending at a fairly rapid pace, considering the election is a year away. Blunt spent nearly 61 cents of every $1 he received during the past three months; Carnahan spent 56 cents of every $1 raised.

Moran, elected in 1996, represents the 1st District of Kansas, which covers most of western and northern Kansas. Tiahrt’s 4th District centers on Wichita and surrounding counties. He was elected to the House in 1994. Both served in the Kansas Legislature before winning seats in Congress.

Tiahrt’s campaign spokeswoman Michelle Schroeder said his “message of leadership and conservative values” was making difference in fundraising, with 93 percent of the contributions coming from individuals.

The Missouri candidates also are reaching out for some big-name support. Carnahan hosted a fundraiser Thursday in St. Louis with Vice President Joe Biden. Blunt held a St. Louis fundraiser in September with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Blunt and Carnahan already have far more money in the bank than other candidates for the Missouri Senate seat.

An aide for Republican Chuck Purgason said the state senator from southern Missouri had raised $11,035 since he entered the race in late July through the end of September, and had $1,067 on hand after expenditures.

Republican Mark Memoly of Lee’s Summit reported raising $300 for his U.S. Senate campaign and spending $17.50.

On the Kansas side, Democrat Charles Schollenberger formed his campaign after the filing deadline and was not required to report.