Dems Will Gain Seats This Fall -- But How Many?

Lost amid the media frenzy over Barack Obama's tour abroad is recognition that this week has arguably been the most successful of the cycle for Senate Democratic candidates. On Monday, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted its strongest quarter of the election cycle, raising $20.9 million with $46.2 million on hand -- nearly double the $24.6 million available to the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee. "With just over 100 days to go until Election Day," wrote DSCC chairman Charles Schumer, "we are exactly where we need to be to run strong winning campaigns and expand our majority." It's not just the congressional committees. Democratic candidates themselves appear financially well-positioned heading into the fall. From April through June, Minnesota candidate Al Franken raised $2.26 million compared... [read full story]