And it is the first time since 2008 — when Democrats swept the White House and both chambers of Congress — that Democratic candidates for House and Senate have outraised Republicans in direct contributions to candidates’ committees. Republican candidates for Congress raised $709 million through September, FEC records show. ActBlue, a fundraising platform for Democratic candidates and causes, has been key to the infusion of cash coming in smaller, recurring amounts this year. Democratic candidates who survived tough primary battles have received an infusion of cash in the third quarter as they stocked up for their general election fight. It is unusual for first-time House candidates to raise $3 million or more in one quarter, Glavin said.

Source: Washington Post October 17, 2018 22:18 UTC