House Republicans Ante Up For NRCC

The surprise retirement of Rep. Jim McCrery (R-La.) has produced a short-term financial windfall for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The ranking Republican on the tax-writing Ways and Means panel gave the campaign committee $200,000 Tuesday, and two Republicans running to replace him for that slot contributed an additional $650,000, according to GOP aides.

Michigan Rep. Dave Camp gave the NRCC $400,000 on Tuesday after his top competitor for the ranking slot, California Rep. Wally Herger, gave the committee $250,000 last week. Camp tops $500,000 in money raised for the committee with Tuesday's donation.

Republican Reps. Jeb Hensarling of Texas, John Mica of Florida and Paul Ryan of Wisconsin each gave the committee $100,000 as part of a member-driven fundraising drive helmed by Majority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.) to help propel GOP candidates challenging incumbent Democrats or running for open seats left by retirements.

Members have pledged more than $3 million for the drive. This fall push, in conjunction with a small bump from K Street, allows the committee to claim more cash-on-hand than debt for the first time all year.