Democrats far ahead of Republicans in spending

democrats FAR ahead of gop in spending

President Barack Obama's campaign and the Democratic National Committee spent twice as much money as all the Republican presidential candidates combined in 2011. Obama has been raising money both for his campaign and the DNC, which is spending millions to boost his reelection. Combined, they have spent over $120 million since the president launched his campaign, with about half that money spent by the party. Mitt Romney, the best-financed Republican candidate, has spent just over $37 million. The Republican National Committee has spent $68.8 million, mostly paying down debt and raising money for the fall.

Santorum opposes women in combat

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum said Friday that he thinks it would be wrong to allow women to serve in combat. He told CNN that there is the potential that men will not be focused on their combat mission but on what he calls a "natural instinct" to protect a woman. The Pentagon is putting into effect new rules that place women closer to the front lines.

Pelosi sees gains by Democrats

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi predicted Friday that five large states will put Democrats in striking distance of gaining control of the House after the November elections. Pelosi said she expects gains in California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas will leave Democrats only about a half-dozen seats short.

Times wires