LANCASTER, N.Y. -- Western New York Republican Chris Collins has always fundraised aggressively.

"If you've got a good war chest, which I have, that's sometimes enough to make it difficult for the opponent, frankly, to raise money, when we've got a great Republican district," he said.

The congressman usually holds a large event in late-summer or fall every year, in the past bringing in House Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan, but he said Tuesday's luncheon with Vice President Mike Pence was his most successful ever.

"A lot of people wanted to meet him, get their photos taken with him and we did have a small gathering of individuals that had some concerns and you know, when you have an event like that, you price it accordingly," Collins said.

The campaign said more than 200 people showed up, contributing more than $400,000.

Collins said the VP talked about the administration's actions so far, including appointments, regulatory relief and pulling out of agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris Climate Accord.

"It was just a positive message," he said. "He spoke for 20 to 30 minutes to the entire group and it was very well-received. Again, he's the consummate gentleman, certainly recognized a lot of people in the room, thanked them for what they've done for the party and for me."

Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner said the administration has promoted or advanced policies on immigration, health care and tax reform that hurt Western New Yorkers, issues he would've liked Pence to address during his trip.

"[It's] wonderful for Chris Collins that he was able to have such a successful fundraiser while this community is suffering," Zellner said.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has targeted Collins but is still courting candidates for 2018.

Zellner said the congressman's nearly $1.5 million war chest is a hurdle but not insurmountable.

"This district in particular, Chris Collins is a lightning rod, not just from Democrats, from people who want to see action in government and I think the money will be there for whatever person decides to challenge him," he said.

Collins said he will be monitoring his opposition but also plans on sharing some of his coffers with other New York Republicans in tight races next year.