In a surprising report by Roll Call Wednesday, they compared the financial records for two House campaign committees, the Senate campaign committees and the national party. The Minority House Democrats have easily outdrawn their Republican counterparts in fundraising efforts throughout last year.
Many would think it would be just the opposite with the president’s low numbers and their minority status.
The DCCC raised approximately $76 million last year with more than $29 million still left in reserve. That is an incredible war chest going forward to the November elections. More incredible when one considers the likelihood of the Democrats taking control of the House – almost politically impossible.
Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee did almost as well, though they still are the tail end of the money chase. The NRCC raised $60.5 million in 2013, and still had $21 million to bank at year’s end.
The DCCC net for 2013 was far better than in previous midterm years, having raised $61.4 million in 2011, $55.6 million in 2009, and $67.9 million in 2007.
The NRCC wasn’t too bad themselves, faring much better in 2013 than the year-end figures for those same above midterm years.
Roll Call believes the House Democrats fared better in 2013 largely due to online fundraising drives, collecting $19.4 million out of a total donation of $28.7 million from donors giving less than $200 last year.
In the Senate, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee raised $52.6 million compared to the $36.7 million collected by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. That money grab is disappointing considering the looming black cloud of a Republican takeover of the majority.
The mere fact that these numbers have received more media coverage than the performances of the individual party members is reminiscent of professional athletes. When they sign a new contract with a team, the media discusses their new salary first and their track record second.
A most disturbing trend in the nation’s political atmosphere.
