More than Half of Dem Funds from Out-of-state: State Democratic Party Outraises Republicans

HELENA – The Montana Democratic Party has out-raised its Republican counterparts 2-to-1 through September.

Through September, the Democrats had $3.4 million to spend on the 2008 campaign, compared to $1.6 million for Republicans.

More than half of the Democrats' funds are from out-of-state sources, including $324,000 from the Democratic National Committee and at least $290,000 from the Democratic Governors Association.

The Republicans' money has been raised primarily from in-state sources.

Democrats say they're spending their money on registering voters and getting people to the polls.

Republicans say they are focusing their money on legislative races and statewide races the party thinks it has the best chance to win.