The Senate Democratic campaign arm is outpacing its Republican counterpart in fundraising by a two-to-one margin, according to the most recent reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

FEC reports due yesterday show the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) raised $16.9 million during the first quarter of 2008 and ended that period with $37.8 million in cash on hand, a figure more than double the $17.3 million in cash on hand held by the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).

"We are receiving donations from people around the country who have never before contributed to Democrats," Sen. Chuck Schumer (pictured at right), New York Democrat, chairman of the DSCC, said in a release. "With an outstanding field of candidates and grassroots enthusiasm throughout the country, we are well on our way to strengthening our majority in November."

A spokeswoman for the NRSC said Republican voters have been reluctant to donate to Republicans, but she said that donations have been picking up.

"In the beginning of the cycle, we saw a lot of fatigue as far as giving to Republicans, and I think we're recovering," said NRSC spokeswoman Rebecca Fisher. "I don't think our goal is to beat the DSCC, but certainly our goal is to be competitive in November."

House Republicans are lagging behind as well. You can view FEC filings uploaded thus far.

— Carrie Sheffield, Web editor, The Washington Times