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Republicans got big cash infusion for Senate races in Sept.

The Republican National Senatorial Committee said it got a lot of small donations in September, with 80,000 people contributing an average of $70.

By Frances Burns
Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) rides a subway to his office. UPI/Kevin Dietsch
Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) rides a subway to his office. UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The Republican National Senatorial Committee still has a smaller war chest than its Democratic counterpart, in spite of a huge pickup in September.

After raising $6 million in August, the committee took in $15.5 million in September. Officials said much of the money was in small donations, with 80,000 people contributing an average of about $70.

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"Momentum is on our side heading into November," said Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, the committee's finance chairman. "Our record fundraising month is an example of the enthusiasm we're seeing."

Democrats currently hold 53 seats in the Senate and Republicans 45. Two independents, Angus King of Maine and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, caucus with the Democrats.

Republicans need to win a net of six seats to gain a majority.

With the election only a few weeks away, the committee appears to be focusing on races that appear winnable. It reportedly canceled $850,000 in ads in Michigan for Terri Lynn Land, who is running against Rep. Gary Peters for the seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Carl Levin.

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A consultant denied the committee is giving up on Land.

"Right now the other outside allied groups have Michigan well covered," Ron Bonjean told MSNBC in n email.

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