Backers of Minneapolis mayoral candidates Betsy Hodges and Mark Andrew formed independent expenditure groups days apart, the Star Tribune reported.

According to election guidelines, contributers can only donate up to $500 directly to candidates' campaigns, but can make unlimited donations to the new support groups.

Although the groups cannot give money directly to the candidates, they can accept and spend unlimited amounts to support them through activities such as campaign mailings, advertisements and other field efforts, according to the Star Tribune.

The “Committee for a Greater Minneapolis” — formed Monday — and the “Coalition for a Better Minneapolis,” — formed last week — are the independent support groups for Hodges and Andrew, respectively.

The groups have not disclosed how much they've raised so far.

Hodges and Andrew are considered frontrunners in a race with 35 candidates looking to replace outgoing Mayor R.T. Rybak.