Disparities in congressional race funding - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Disparities in congressional race funding

Congressman Peter Welch had raised over $1.8 million for his campaign as of the last filing deadline. That's not far behind the total he raised in his first congressional race in 2006 -- a very close contest against Martha Rainville.

His opponent this time, Mark Donka, raised less than the$5,000 minimum for filing a campaign finance report.

The disparity is even more glaring in the U.S. Senate race. Republican John MacGovern raised $76,000 for his campaign and spent most of it.

But compare that to Senator Sanders, who amassed a war chest of over $7 million by the last reporting period. Sanders has spent over $3 million, 42 times more than MacGovern.
   
Any future challengers will know that Sanders will probably start the next election cycle with at least $4 million dollars in the bank.