Modesto area politicians bring in the dough

MapLight, a nonprofit organization that tracks money's influence on politics, offered an interesting observation about last year's congressional races. Winning members of the House of Representatives raised almost $1.7 million during the year, an average of $2,315 per day. U.S. senators raised almost $10.5 million each during the year, an average of $14,351 a day.

Half of our representatives were above average — at least in this regard:

• 10th District Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, raised almost $2.7 million

• 16th District Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, raised nearly $1.5 million

• 9th District Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton, raised $2.5 million, and

• 4th District Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove, raised almost $1.2 million.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein pulled in almost $12.7 million. Barbara Boxer was not included in the analysis because she wasn't up for election last year.

No wonder lawmakers can't get issues resolved; they're too busy raising money.