80 to 90 Democratic House Seats in Play?

100 Days DemocratsAccording to National Review Online, 126 House Republican challengers — that’s those running in open seats or against Democratic incumbents — reported having at least $100,000 in their campaign accounts. Forty-two of those have at least $200,000, and 10 have at least $500,000.

There’s some overlap in competitive primaries. But the numbers generally support the view voiced by Republicans that they expect to put between 80 and 90 Democratic-held seats in play. They need to pick up 40 seats this year to take back control of the House.

And even candidates generally considered safe — such as Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., and Rep. David Wu, D-Ore. — are likely to face well-funded challengers this year.

Some of these totals are jaw-dropping. In Florida’s 22nd congressional district, Allen West has $707,150.50 cash-on-hand and no debt.

In Pennsylvania’s 7th congressional district, Pat Meehan has $694,207.14 on hand and a little over $5,000 in debt.

In Maryland’s 1st congressional district, Andy Harris has $497,226.85 on hand and about $2,500 in debt.

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February 3, 2010 · Filed Under congress, Democrats


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