ALBANY - Gov. David Paterson's campaign committee said Sunday that it raised more than $3.2 million in just over two months.

Fundraising for the 2010 gubernatorial election began in earnest on May 5, and more than 600 donors contributed, according to the campaign.

It did not release details, saying a full accounting will be available from the state Board of Elections on Tuesday.

“To raise more than $3 million over nine weeks underscores the extent to which New Yorkers are excited about Gov. Paterson's style of leadership,” campaign spokesman Jonathan Rosen said.

Most of the money was raised at small events over the past several weeks, Rosen said.

Paterson formed his campaign committee on April 14, less than a month after he was sworn in as governor. The Harlem Democrat rose from the lieutenant governor's office on March 17, after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid allegations that he was a client of a high-priced prostitution ring.

Quinnipiac University Polling Institute director Maurice Carroll called Paterson's current war chest substantial, considering his short tenure and the fact that the election is years off and will be preceded by elections for president and New York City mayor.

“If there was any doubt that (Paterson) wanted to keep being governor, this pretty much puts it to rest,” Carroll said.

Lee Miringoff, of the Marist College poll, said Paterson's early fundraising sends a strong signal to potential rivals.

“It's an impressive start ... and suggests that during the first couple of months in office he was governing with running in mind,” Miringoff said.

The New York Republican State Committee had no immediate comment.