Money

Campaigns are expensive...

The National Republican Senatorial Committee raised $5.5 million in February, while the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee raised $3.8 million.

Democrats still hold a big advantage on money in the bank with $27.4 million, while Republicans have $14.5 million.

"We had a huge January and February. Where we're seeing progress is new money through small donors in the direct mail program," said Brian Nick, an NRSC spokesman.

The GOP holds a 55-44 advantage in the Senate, with one Democratic-leaning independent.

DSCC spokesman Phil Singer said: "Senate Democrats have twice as much money in the bank as the GOP and have several candidates who are already leading their Republican opponents in the polls. We're exactly where we want to be at this stage."

Kind of interesting that the Dems aren't totally failing at fundraising.

As for how actual government money is being spent...

Millions of dollars in taxpayer funds have flowed to groups that support President Bush's agenda on abortion and other social issues.

Under the auspices of its religion-based initiatives and other federal programs, the administration has funneled at least $157 million in grants to organizations run by political and ideological allies, according to federal grant documents and interviews.

Why am I not surprised? It's almost as if more news about this administration just increases my disgust for it, but never surprises me. The weather's kind of gloomy, and Bush is still president. Go figure.