By John McArdle, CQ-Roll Call

Less than 12 hours into Rand Paul’s one-day Tea Party “money bomb” fundraising event, the Kentucky Senate candidate had already surpassed the $100,000 mark, according to the real-time donation counter on Paul’s Web page.

That total puts Paul, the son of libertarian champion, congressman and former presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-Texas) at more than $400,000 raised during the fourth quarter.
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Wednesday’s money bomb event was scheduled on the 236th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, and the candidate’s father encouraged his backers to join in with a targeted fundraising appeal, writing, “We need to make this December 16th special by helping propel my son, Rand, to the United States Senate.”

“Rand’s election will send a message to the establishment that we are taking our country back and the pave the way for future success together.”

Paul’s Internet-based money bomb events have become the fundraising bedrock of his Republcian primary campaign against Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson, the establishment choice in the race.

The Kentucky eye surgeon netted nearly $190,000 from a money bomb event in September and over $430,000 from a money bomb event in August.

Paul and Grayson are vying for the nomination to the seat being vacated by incumbent Republican Jim Bunning .

CQ Politics currently rates the seat a Tossup.

To follow all the 2010 Senate races, check out our election map.

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