RNC edges out DNC in November fundraising

The Republican National Committee raised $7.1 million in November, making it the second month in a row that the GOP has bested Democrats in both fundraising and cash on hand.

But Democrats are saddled with less debt than Republicans in the run-up to election year.

The Democratic National Committee pulled in $6.7 million in November — including about $2.8 million transferred from President Obama's reelection campaign, according to a report filed Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission. Democrats have about $10.5 million in the bank, compared to $14.1 million for the GOP.

Republicans pointed out that they've bested their Democratic rivals for three out of the past four months, with September being the exception. And Democrats have the advantage of having an incumbent president for their donors to rally behind, while Republicans are raising money in the background of the GOP presidential primary.

"Heading into 2012, the RNC will be operating from a position of significant fiscal strength, and, with the approaching caucuses and primaries, the political momentum is firmly on our side," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement.

But Republicans owe about $13.4 million, while Democratic debt totals just $7.8 million. An RNC official said the committee has completely paid off its debt to vendors, and all that remains is bank debt.

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