As of midsummer, it appears that Republicans are in a good position to hold the House. Open Secrets reports that House Republicans have built some substantial advantages in fundraising:
With control of the U.S. House of Representatives up for grabs this November, both parties have moved their fundraising efforts into high gear. At stake is the majority in a chamber that has shifted between Democratic and Republican leadership twice since 2007.
In the race for campaign cash, though, the Republicans have a solid lead.
The Hill reports that a memo released Sunday by House Speaker Rep. John Boehner's office reported that his fundraising efforts have brought in around $80 million for House Republicans since 2011, including $8.3 million in the second quarter of 2012. The number includes all of Boehner's fundraising arms, including his campaign committee and leadership PAC. About $20 million has been siphoned off to the National Republican Congressional Committee to help Republicans win House races across the country, according to Politico.
Overall fundraising numbers for the 2012 House races further suggest a success story for House Republicans. Combined, GOP candidates for Congress have raised $120 million more and spent $65 million more than their Democratic opponents.
Politico also reports that there are bright spots for the Dems, though. In the second quarter of 2012 House Majority PAC, which raises money to support Democratic congressional candidates, reported a fundraising haul of $4.3 Million, while Democratic groups American Bridge 21st Century and the American Bridge 21st Century Foundation raised a combined $4.1 Million, most of which it is expected to use attacking Republican candidates.
