$2B House, Senate Races Smash Fundraising Record

Fundraising records have been shattered as House and Senate candidates head toward the finish line, a Washington Post analysis of campaign finance data finds. House and Senate candidates have raised over $1.5 billion and total spending is on course to top $2 billion as hopefuls dig deep into their war chests and, in many races, their own pockets. The total works out to more than $4 million for every congressional seat up for grabs.

Outside interest groups, most of them backing GOP candidates, have poured $400 million into races, but the most of the money has been raised and spent by the candidates themselves. In a reverse from 2008, Republican House candidates have raised more funds than their Democratic rivals, and much of the cash remains to be spent in the final week of campaigning.
(More midterm elections stories.)