Close Races Could Be Turned By Out-Of-State Money

Judging by the fundraising, one might think Republican Nancy Jacobs has no chance in her bid for a House seat representing parts of Anne Arundel County. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, a five-term Democrat, raised three times as much cash last quarter, giving the impression of broad support that will let him blanket the district with advertising.

A closer look at his list of financial supporters shows it’s missing one thing, though: people who can actually vote for him.

Only 15 percent of Mr. Ruppersberger’s $157,000 haul came from Maryland. State residents, in fact, gave Mrs. Jacobs twice as much cash as they did the incumbent.

More