Denham leads money race

Republican Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, has parlayed his incumbent's status into a fund-raising advantage over Democratic challenger Jose Hernandez, newly filed campaign reports show. Denham reported having $1.2 million on hand as of June 30, while Hernandez reported having about $456,000.

Both candidates stepped up their fund-raising during the second quarter, according to the newly available statements. Denham raised $397,385 from April 1 to June 30, while Hernandez reported raising $352,815 during the same three-month period.

The congressional candidates succeeded in drawing contributions from well beyond the San Joaquin Valley. Hernandez, who has been highly touted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, pulled in big contributions from labor unions and the likes of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Denham's major contributors included political action committees representing the likes of Boeing and Blue Shield of California.