The Northern Colorado energy boom is doing more than helping fill government coffers – it’s also pumping money into political races.

Energy companies have emerged as an especially significant campaign contributor in the race to fill the congressional district representing oil-soaked Weld County, though the bulk of the dollars are flowing to incumbent U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner.

The industry, ranging from oil and natural-gas to power companies, has so far given the 4th District Republican from Yuma more than $135,000 in his re-election bid. He received $33,000 in contributions between just June 7-30, the latest campaign finance reporting period.

Of that amount, oil and gas companies or their employees gave about half, or $16,400, according to documents Gardner’s campaign submitted to the Federal Election Commission earlier this month.

Gardner, who was elected to the post in 2010, faces state Senate President Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, in the November election.

Altogether, Gardner raised $184,272 last month and reported having $1,024,763 on hand.

One of his largest contributions came from employees of DCP Midstream, headquartered in Denver, who gave Gardner $3,