Lt. Gov. Tim Murray went on a fundraising tear in December, raising nearly $253,000 in the month, according to his monthly bank report with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

The Worcester Democrat significantly outpaced Gov. Deval Patrick and Treasurer Tim Cahill for the month, who raised nearly $139,000 and nearly $145,000, respectively.

Murray is often mentioned as a potential candidate for higher office. His name has surfaced as a potential successor to Patrick and as a potential U.S. Senate candidate. With regards to potential gubernatorial candidates, Murray, Cahill and Attorney General Martha Coakley are typically considered the top three Democratic prospects after Patrick.

Murray relied on primarily individual contributions during December, including $500 from state Sen. Steven Baddour, a Methuen Democrat. He also received $500 from MassEquality's PAC, Bank of America Massachusetts' PAC and the Boston Police Patrolmen Assoc.'s PAC.

Murray spent $51,000, including $2,500 to Taylor Harris Communications, a consultancy.

Murray reported having more than $467,000 in his campaign checking account at the end of the month. That does not include any deposits the Democrat may have made into a savings account that yields a higher interest rate, a common practice among Massachusetts pols.