Here’s another sign that Democrats are battling a substantial enthusiasm gap going into this fall’s election, from FEC reports filed late last month:
Receipts for House Democratic campaigns were $199.9 million in 2009, a decrease of less than 1% from their 2007 total.While Democratic House incumbents increased their fundraising total compared to 2007, Democratic House challengers and open seat candidates reported a decrease in the amount of contributions received compared to 2007.Republican House candidates raised $161 million in 2009, a 12.9% increase from 2007.Unlike Democratic House candidates, Republican House challengers and open seat candidates reported an increase in contributions in 2009, while incumbents reported a decrease in contributions compared to 2007.