Senate Republican incumbents and challengers alike had a tough 4th quarter of 2017 when it came to fundraising. There were several explanations as to why, but GOP strategists expected the situation to correct itself in the first quarter that ended on March 31.
By and large, GOP incumbents had a better quarter while many challengers continued to struggle. Across the aisle, Democratic incumbents and challengers alike posted another solid quarter, with most incumbents holding a significant cash-on-hand advantage over their GOP challengers.
Receipts:When it comes to 1st quarter receipts, Republican U.S. Reps. Martha McSally in Arizona and Lou Barletta in Pennsylvania outraised their Democratic opponents. Looking at contributions only, U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee outraised former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen, but Bredesen put $1.4 million of his own money into the race, and thus had a higher receipt total. When it comes to challengers McSally and Blackburn are proving to be the Republican fundraising rock stars at this point in the cycle. Florida Republican Gov. Rick Scott didn’t announce his candidacy until April 9, so he did not
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