Republican National Committee tops Democratic rival in August fundraising battle

The Republican National Committee out raised the Democratic National Committee in August, as the two major party organizations raced to raise and spend campaign cash ahead the midterms

Republicans are aiming to win back majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate in November, as well as potentially make gains in the battle for governorships and state legislatures. 

National party fundraising is a key barometer of donor and voter enthusiasm ahead of the midterms, and the money raised can be used — among other things — for party staffing in key battlegrounds, grassroots and other get-out-the-vote efforts, campaign ads, and can be transferred to the party's House and Senate re-election committees.