Following the money, Election 2008

Straight from the Federal Election Commission, we have financials for Democratic and Republican elective categories below the presidential level. As of mid-year 2008, contributions for most Democratic categories are at historic levels, but Republicans still hold a slim lead overall. All numbers are as of 6/30 of their respective year. Overall, Republicans have pulled in $409M and have $119M on hand, while Democrats have pulled in $351M and have $117M on hand.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and various state/local funds are all at the peak of their strength right now. All are used to being less well-funded than their Republican counterparts, but that is not the case for the DCSS and DCCC this time around. DCSS has almost twice as much money as its National Republican Senatorial Committee counterpart in the critical cash on hand category, and DCCC has almost 6.5 times the available cash as the National Republican Congressional Committee. NRSC is down from its best-ever 2005-2006 cycle, while NRCC peaked in 2003-2004.

Locally, Democrats have brought in $351M and still have $12M available in their best ever year, but are still behind Republicans, who have amassed $409M and still have $17M to spend, despite losing ground the last two cycles.

The bright spot for the Republicans is the RNC. It also peaked in 2003-2004, but it has still collected $193M and had $69M left to spend, far outstripping the DNC, with $90M collected and $4.5M on hand.

Here’s a look at political financials going back to 1995-1996.

Source: Ferderal Election Commission