WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The two major political parties raised a combined $214.6 million and spent $164.9 million in the first six months of 2009, the U.S. elections watchdog said.
The Democratic Party committees reported receiving $109.8 million, a 1.8 percent decrease in fundraising compared to the same period in 2007 of the 2007-2008 presidential cycle, the Federal Election Commission said Wednesday in a news release.
The Republican Party committees took in $104.8 million, representing a 3.8 percent drop in receipts when compared to the same period in 2007 of the 2007-2008 presidential cycle, the FEC said.
The commission said contributions from individuals made up the bulk of the receipts for both parties. Democrats reported receiving $76.6 million from individuals, and $24.2 million from political action committees and House and Senate members' campaign committees.
Republicans reported receiving $78.1 million from individuals, and $9.3 million from PACs and House and Senate members' campaign committees.
At the end of June, Democratic party committees had $37.8 million cash on hand and debts of $15.8 million, while Republican party committees reported $54.1 million in cash on hand and debts of $6.9 million, the FEC said.
