Fund Raising Explodes For Both Parties

The Federal Election Commission released a report Tuesday that showed both major parties’ fund-raising has exploded this election cycle, especially for the Republicans, which took in nearly twice what Democrats have raised.

GOP national committees raised $278.4 million from January 1995 through Oct. 16, a 69 percent increase over the previous presidential election cycle, according to the latest FEC figures.

The Democrats received $139.8 million through Sept. 30, 60 percent higher than the 1991-1992 cycle. Those were the latest figures available since the Democratic National Committee did not immediately file its pre-election report.

Even more funds were raised with so-called “soft money,” party-building contributions that are not covered by post-Watergate limitations. GOP committees raised $121 million and Democrats raised $102.4 million, the FEC said.

Republicans outspent Democrats, dispersing $390 million in hard and soft money on campaigns, compared to $221.8 million spent by Democrats.