Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) was out-raised significantly in the last quarter by Republican former Rep. Pat Toomey, though the incumbent still has a lead in cash on hand.
Between October and December of 2009, Specter raised $1.15 million, compared to Toomey raising $1.67 million. However, Specter’s cash on hand is $8.66 million, way ahead of Toomey’s $2.8 million. Specter will have to spend some of that money in the Democratic primary, however, which would potentially narrow cash gap.
Specter and Toomey have a long history with each other, much of it negative, going back to when Toomey challenged Specter in the 2004 Republican primary, and just barely lost it in a 51%-49% race. Specter switched from the Republicans to the Democrats last year, in large part to avoid a likely loss in a GOP primary rematch with Toomey. He still faces a challenge in the Democratic primary from Rep. Joe Sestak, which could become costly.
