Monday, April 17, 2006

Two Republican incumbents in key races out-raised by Democrats

WASHINGTON - Democratic challengers in two key House races in the Philadelphia suburbs out-raised Republican incumbents in the first three months of the year.

Lois Murphy, an attorney who nearly defeated Rep. Jim Gerlach in 2004, raised nearly $230,000 more than him, but still has less money on hand, according to paperwork filed to the Federal Election Commission that was due Saturday.

Patrick Murphy, an Iraq War veteran, took in $17,000 more than Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick, though he is still far behind in cash on hand.

Another Republican in the battleground region, Rep. Curt Weldon, did better in fundraising than his leading Democratic opponent, Joe Sestak, a retired Navy Admiral.

The Philadelphia suburbs have become increasingly Democratic, and Democrats see the region as key in their fight to gain the 15 seats in the House needed to win a majority.

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