US Rep. Tsongas stockpiles cash for reelection bid

BOSTON (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas is stockpiling cash as she again hopes to fend off a challenge from Republican Jon Golnik in November.

The Lowell Democrat has collected nearly $860,000 through the end of March, compared with the more than $80,000 raised by Golnik.

Tsongas has more than $316,000 left in her account. Golnik has nearly $66,000.

Golnik said Monday that he's pleased with what he called his fundraising success during the first quarter of the year.

Golnik also challenged Tsongas during the 2010 campaign.

At the time Tsongas was seen as vulnerable in part because the district was one of the state's more conservative, but Golnik had trouble capitalizing on his success in a four-way Republican primary.

The newly redrawn district includes Lowell and extends through Lawrence to include Haverhill.

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