Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) raised an impressive $2 million in the fourth fundraising quarter, but spent $2.1 million -- even more money than he brought in -- much of it on campaign advertisements designed to improve his profile.With all that spending, Reid begins the new year with $8.7 million in his campaign account -- a formidable sum, but less money than he banked last September. And the ads have not improved his low popularity back home, with a new Daily Kos/Research 2000 poll showing his approval rating down to 36 percent.
Reid still holds a substantial financial edge over his leading Republican opponents. Former state party chairwoman Sue Lowden raised the most money ($800,000) on the Republican side last quarter.
Banker John Chachas, who loaned his campaign $1.3 million, has the most cash-on-hand of all the Republican candidates, with $1.7 million in the bank.