Millions of dollars in outside money began pouring into Congressional contests around the country in April, while spending by presidential “super PACs” dropped off, according to records filed with the Federal Election Commission on Sunday and other data. Outside groups, including super PACs and advocacy organizations, have spent at least $7 million on House races and $12.4 million on Senate races since the beginning of April, the first wave in what is expected to be a flood of independent spending this year in the battle for control of Congress. Some groups, like the Club for Growth and FreedomWorks for America, which push for lower taxes and reduced government spending, spent heavily in primary races between incumbent Republicans and challengers in Utah and Indiana.
Democratic-leaning outside groups also spent money but appeared to be operating at a serious cash disadvantage. House Majority PAC, which seeks to help Democrats reclaim control of the House, had spent $234,000 since March on advertising in a special election in Arizona, where the party hopes to hold on to the seat that Gabrielle Giffords gave up, and $417,000 on a race for an open seat in California. The Campaign for Primary Accountability, financed by a handful of donors, had waded into five House races since March: two in Pennsylvania, two in Texas and one in Indiana. Unlike some super PACs, the group has not sided with one party, running advertisements against both Democratic and Republican incumbents.
Full Article: Campaign Spending Reports Released for April – NYTimes.com.