MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Democratic Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina raised about $50,000 for his presidential candidacy in two fund-raisers in the Twin Cities.

Organizers said Edwards and about 400 other people attended the events Sunday night.

DFL activist Paul Thatcher held a $1,000 per person reception at his home in downtown Minneapolis, attended by about 50 people.

Former Metropolitan Council Chairman Ted Mondale, son of former Vice President Walter Mondale, hosted a $50 per person event at his home in St. Louis Park, which more than 300 people attended.

About $30,000 of the money came from donors who gave $100 or less, said Scott Benson, a Minneapolis City Council member who is on Edwards' national steering committee.

The first-term senator announced his candidacy for president last month, casting himself as a fresh face in politics. Several other Democrats also are seeking the party's nomination.