GOP senators lagging in campaign funds

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Many U.S. Senate Republicans are lagging behind in reaching their campaign fundraising goals less than two months before Election Day, GOP officials say.

Just 13 Senate Republicans have met goals for their campaign committees, The Hill reported using internal numbers reviewed by the Washington political publication.

Senate Republicans are said to have set goals of raising between $750,000 and $3 million for the National Republican Senatorial Committee and GOP Senate candidates.

But, 22 members of the 49-member conference are reported less than 50 percent of the way to meeting their individual targets.

U.S. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., head of the NRSC, warned that he would slash money for independent advertisements in key races.

Through the end of July, the NRSC had just $25.4 million in cash on hand, compared to $43 million for the Democrats. The Democrats have to defend just 12 Senate seats compared to the Republicans' 23 seats, the report said.