Politico: Senate Dems Boasting Strong Funding Haul in '17

Vulnerable incumbent Senate Democrats raked in surprising good fundraising totals for the first quarter, Politico reported.

Of the 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection in states won by President Donald Trump last fall, six brought in at least $2 million in the quarter, the outlet reported.

The two Senate Republicans being targeted by Democrats next year –  Dean Heller of Nevada and Jeff Flake of Arizona – raised $1.4 million in the first three months of the year, Politico reported.

"I think we're seeing a lot of evidence for a check-and-balance electorate," J.B. Poersch of Senate Majority PAC, the main super PAC for Senate Democrats, told Politico.

"These senators have worked hard to be well-defined and well-liked in their states. Despite a challenging map, these incumbents have a strong chance at reelection in 2018."

Politico said the first-quarter Senate fundraising figures show in the Democratic column, Sen. Claire McCaskill shattered fundraising records in Missouri, raising $2.8 million; Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota raised $1.6 million; Jon Tester in Montana raised more than $2 million and Joe Donnelly brought in $1.3 million in Indiana.

Also, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown raised $2.4 million; Bill Nelson of Florida $2.2 million; Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin $2.2 million; Bob Casey of Pennsylvania collected $2.7 million; and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan had nearly $1.3 million.

The one exception to the Democrats' massive fundraising haul was West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, who raised just under $553,000.

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