DeLay, Challenger Get Fundraising Boosts

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-5135606,00.html

DeLay, Challenger Get Fundraising Boosts

DALLAS (AP) - House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's campaign raised nearly $800,000 in the past three months, while his Democratic challenger added $500,000, putting both on pace for an expensive election next year.

DeLay has never raised so much during one quarter in 22 years. Analysts say both his campaign and that of former congressman Nick Lampson are on pace to raise $5 million in the race for the Houston-area district.

``Tom DeLay can out-raise and out-spend anyone,'' said Robert Stein, dean of the School of Social Sciences at Rice University. ``The truth is, should his problems get worse, it won't be Nick Lampson he's worried about.''

Democrats have rekindled their interest in the seat in the wake of DeLay's ethics troubles, including questions about his fundraising techniques and lobbyist-financed travel. DeLay has denied wrongdoing.

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