As the 2012 election season rolls onward, the race for Massachusetts' District 6 congressional seat is rolling in cash.

Federal Election Commission reports show that Republican challenger Richard Tisei raised $354,000 in the first quarter, while Congressman John Tierney raised about $325,000.

This follows a successful trend for Tisei, the second straight quarter he's outraised Tierney. Known as a heavyweight fundraiser, the former State Senate Minority Leader raked in $305,000 in just the last seven weeks of 2011 (he announced his candidacy in November).

The news isn't bleak for Tierney, though. Tierney's first quarter campaign haul is twice as much as he raised in the last quarter of 2011 and marks his most successful quarter since the 2010 midterm elections.

And now the Tierney campaign reportedly has nearly $800,000 cash on hand, an almost a 2 to 1 cash on hand advantage over Tisei.

"On behalf of the loyal supporters and new friends who continue to support my campaign, I remain committed to fighting for our shared priorities," Tierney said in a message to his donors. "Like you, I believe we must do more to strengthen our economy, create jobs, support middle class families and invest in our communities. I look forward to our ongoing work together."

With donations flooding into both campaigns and national party committees becoming involved, the 6th District race could be a very expensive one.