Republican PACs continued their traditional lead over Democrats in fundraising through the first 18 months of the current two-year election cycle, and widened their lead considerably.
Data compiled by the Federal Election Commission shows Republican groups, including the Republican National Committee, National Republican Senatorial Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee and various state organizations raised $464.7 million between Jan. 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004, an increase of $167.2 million, 64%, from the same period in the last elections. That's $186.5 million, or 67%, more than the $278.2 million raised by Democratic organizations, including the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and state organizations, during that period.
