Freshmen House Democrats Use Cash Edge to Scare Off Republicans

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After Democrat Joe Sestak captured a suburban Philadelphia House seat from a Republican who had held it for two decades, he never stopped trolling for donations. Now, with a $1.4 million bankroll, he's considered a good bet to retain the seat in 2008.

Sestak, 55, is one of several freshman Democrats who have boosted their chances of hanging onto hard-won seats by using their fundraising prowess to scare off challengers. Others include Michael Arcuri in New York, Paul Hodes in New Hampshire and Dave Loebsack in Iowa.

Republicans' only chance for recapturing the House in 2008 hinges on defeating many of the 30 Democratic freshmen who won Republican-held seats in 2006. Prospects for that are fading as the party struggles to recruit challengers or to match Democrats' strong fundraising.

``There's no denying Democrats have the momentum,'' said former Republican Representative Jack Quinn of New York. ``To the victors go the spoils. That includes the fundraising. It's going to be another difficult year for Republicans.''

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