Democratic groups outspending Republicans so far this cycle

By Felicia Sonmez

Democratic-leaning independent groups have spent about $3 million more than Republican-leaning groups in federal races this cycle to date, according to a Fix analysis of campaign finance data compiled by the Washington Post.

Groups contributing mainly to Democrats have spent a total of about $21.6 million this cycle, compared to $18.6 million spent by groups benefiting Republican candidates. The tallies include funds reported as of Aug. 29.

(Worth noting: Spending on "issue ads" targeting candidates is not reflected unless the ads run just before an election. The conservative advocacy organization Americans for Prosperity, for instance, has launched $4.1-million worth of TV ads targeting candidates in 11 states, but that spending is not included in the totals above. Under FEC guidelines, such expenditures are only reported within 30 days of a primary and 60 days of a general election. There are currently 63 days remaining before the Nov. 2 election.)

Of the top ten groups spending in races during the period from Aug. 23 to Aug. 29, six were groups supporting GOP candidates and four were groups backing Democrats.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees was the biggest spender, throwing $1.5 million into TV ads attacking former state Sen. Joe Heck (R) in Nevada's 3rd district and former Rep. Tim Walberg (R) in Michigan's 7th.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was the second-biggest spender last week with a $997,095 ad buy against Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.), who is running in the open-seat race to succeed Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.).

Click here for The Post's compete chart of interest group spending this cycle, and here for last week's top ten.