Republicans outpace Democrats in party fundraising

[December 21, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republicans collected more money than Democrats in party fundraising in November, as the two parties race to build strong war chests heading into next year's elections.

The Republican National Committee raised $7.1 million in November while the Democratic National Committee brought in $6.7 million during the month.

The DNC fundraising included $2.7 million for the Obama Victory Fund, a joint fundraising account by the DNC and President Barack Obama's re-election campaign.

The RNC has $14.1 million in the bank through the end of the month, compared with $10.5 million for Democrats.

Republicans are carrying $13.9 million in debt, compared with $7.8 million in debt for the DNC. The RNC had $24 million in debt when Chairman Reince Priebus (ryns PREE'-bus) took over the committee.

[Associated Press]

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