Campaign Cash Pours Into Congressional Races

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Millions of dollars are flowing into California congressional campaigns after an independent redistricting process created about a dozen highly competitive districts.

The fundraising and spending totals being reported by the midnight Monday deadline are important because they give a partial picture of a candidate's strength heading into the final weeks of the campaign season. Many also are receiving a substantial boost from political parties and independent committees.

In a neck-a-neck Sacramento-area race, Democrat Ami Bera reported raising about $732,000 in the most recent quarter for his race against incumbent Republican Rep. Dan Lungren. Lungren's campaign did not immediately release its fundraising figures.

U.S. Dianne Feinstein reported more than $3.3 million cash on hand for her re-election campaign against Republican challenger Elizabeth Emken, who did not have fundraising totals immediately available.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.