Report: Republicans Raising More Money Than Democrats In House Races
Most donations go to incumbents; Gingrich, Gephardt top the money list
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 23) -- Republican candidates running in this fall's midterm election have a big fund-raising edge over their Democratic counterparts, raising almost $20 million more in campaign money this year, according to a new study.
CNN commissioned the Campaign Study Group to survey candidate contribution and spending summaries from the beginning of the year to June 30, excluding those already defeated in state primaries.
The report shows among House candidates who are still running, Republicans have the advantage. Democratic House candidates have raised $108 million, but Republican candidates have raise more than $127 million.
The gap can be attributed to money donated by individuals. Republicans incumbents, challengers and candidates running for open seats have brought in a total of almost $73 million. Donations to Democrats have totaled $57 million.
Political action committees (PACs), which are often run by lobbyists, have given roughly identical amounts to each side: $40 million to Republicans and $39 milllion to Democrats.
In a race that many analysts already expected to be a "status quo" election, it is clear incumbents have another critical advantage on the money front. Of the $232 million contributed so far in this election cycle, roughly $172 million has gone to incumbents.
House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt tops the list of candidates who have benefited from PAC donations, having received more than $1 million from such groups. The House Democratic leader's $4.2 million contribution total is bested only by the man holding the post Gephardt most wants: House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Gingrich has raised more money than any other candidate, bringing in nearly $4.9 million. The speaker rates as the No. 1 recipient on the list of individual contributions , which make up 85 percent of his total purse , and No. 3 on the list of candidates receiving PAC contributions.
In contrast, Gingrich's challenger, Democrat Gary Pelphrey, also known as "Bats," has raised less than $5,000.
Both Gingrich and Gephardt have pledged to dip into their campaign coffers to help other Democratic candidates.
The Campaign Study Group report was compiled from summaries submitted to the Federal Election Commission by 849 candidates.
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