Lungren far ahead of Durston in cash on hand

Democratic congressional challenger Bill Durston kept up a respectable fundraising pace in relation to his opponent, incumbent U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) during the second quarter of 2008.

But Durston, a doctor from Gold River, still faces a large deficit in cash on hand against Lungren in the 3rd Congressional District race.

From April to June, Lungren raised $172,640, and had no primary opposition in June, allowing him to add to an already considerable war chest.

Though Durston raised $125,413 during those three months, he lags behind Lungren by more than $450,000 in cash on hand. Lungren has $615,298 as of June 30, compared to $188,666 for Durston.

Some believe Democrats could capture Lungren's seat given that voter registration is fairly close in the district, which stretches from the Nevada border through southern Sacramento suburbs to Solano County.

Durston ran against Lungren, a former state attorney general, in 2006 and lost 59 percent to 38 percent.

Durston has said he believes Lungren can be beaten, citing the example of then-incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo's 2006 loss to relative unknown Jerry McNerney in the 11th Congressional District.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has yet to commit significant resources to Durston's campaign, however.