The three national committees of the Democratic party -- the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee -- reported raising $247 million combined during the period, the Federal Elections Commission said Monday in a news release. That amount reflects an increase of 24 percent over a similar period in 2006, and 45 percent more than the first 16 months of the 2004 election cycle.

Each of the Republican party's national committees reported revenue fell when compared to previous cycles, the FEC said. The Republican National Committee raised $143.3 million from January 2007 through April 2008, down 5 percent from 2006. The $47.9 million raised by the National Republican Senatorial Committee represented an 11-percent decline and the National Republican Congressional Committee' $69.3 million was a 21 plunge from 2006.

Individuals were the largest source of funds, the FEC said. Republican committees reported receiving $246.3 million from individuals, or 86 percent of receipts. Democrats received $210.5 million, 77 percent of the total.