WASHINGTON — The top six Republican and Democratic candidates running in today’s House leadership elections poured more than $6 million into their colleagues’ campaigns since 2009, nearly a third more than during the 2006 election.
Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., unchallenged in his bid to become majority leader when the GOP-led House convenes next year, gave $1.4 million to other members’ campaigns, according to the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics (CRP). Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., who will be minority whip, gave $1.3 million.
Candidate-to-candidate political donations, which take place from a member’s campaign account or through political action committees known as leadership PACs, can solidify a member’s support when lawmakers return to Washington, greasing the skids for top committee assignments and leadership posts.
Full Story: Big guns in House proved big campaign givers – USATODAY.com