Politics

Dems Lead Fundraising In E. Bay, Sacto House Races

Dems Lead Fundraising In E. Bay, Sacto House Races
norcal, democrats, fundraising, East Bay, Sacramento, Jerry McNerney, Charlie Brown, Dean Andal, Tom McClintock, house of representatives, congress
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Democratic candidates in California's two highest-profile House races enjoy cash advantages over their Republican opponents, according to campaign finance reports filed Tuesday.
In the 11th Congressional District straddling the Central Valley and the East Bay, first-term Democrat Jerry McNerney has nearly $1.4 million cash-on-hand to defend his seat. Republican challenger Dean Andal has $663,000.
In the open 4th Congressional District seat north and east of Sacramento, Democrat Charlie Brown reported about $675,000 on-hand, while Republican Tom McClintock has about $117,000.
McClintock has raised more money than Brown but was forced to spend heavily in the contested June primary while Brown faced only token opposition in the heavily Republican district.
The McNerney-Andal contest is likely to be California's most competitive House race in November.
Most of the state's 53 congressional districts are drawn to protect incumbents. Only one changed party hands in 2006 -- the 11th, where McNerney upset a powerful GOP incumbent.
Republicans are trying to get the seat back, but Andal's fundraising has lagged. His campaign put out a press release Tuesday aiming to combat that perception. The campaign said Andal has several fundraisers scheduled for early fall and expects to double its take within months.
McNerney has raised $2.1 million in the campaign cycle to date, according to the reports Tuesday, while Andal, a former state Assembly member, has raised $798,000 during that period.
"We know there's much more work to be done, but I'm confident we are on track to raise over $1.5 million by early fall," Andal said in a statement.
McNerney's spokesman, Andy Stone, said McNerney was pleased with the support he's getting.
"He's always known it was going to be a difficult race, and he'll have the resources necessary for the campaign," Stone said.
Tuesday's Federal Election Commission reports covered May 15 to June 30. They were the first fundraising reports released since California's congressional primary on June 3.
Republicans have a large registration edge over Democrats in the 4th Congressional District, now represented by John Doolittle, a Republican from Rocklin who is retiring amid a federal lobbying investigation.
McClintock, a state senator from Southern California, emerged as the Republican nominee June 3 after a tough primary challenge from former GOP Rep. Doug Ose, while Brown's position as the Democratic nominee was assured.
That helps explain Brown's cash advantage despite McClintock's superior fundraising overall.
McClintock's cycle-to-date fundraising total is nearly $1.6 million, while Brown's is nearly $1.3 million.
McClintock raised nearly $580,000 during the period covered by Tuesday's reports, while Brown raised $260,000.
California's only other open House seat is in the 52nd district occupied by GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter, who is retiring.
Hunter's son, Republican Duncan D. Hunter, is heavily favored to replace him and reported $198,000 cash-on-hand Tuesday. Democrat Mike Lumpkin had just under $54,000.