Finance Deadline For Candidates, Committees

WASHINGTON (AP) — The emerging snapshot of 2013's political fundraising suggests heavy spending will be the norm.

Today is the deadline for candidates, their committees and some of their outside groups to file their end-of-year financial reports with the Federal Elections Commission. The reports are unlikely to provide a clear view of political advantages, however. Many of the outside groups operate under rules that don't require financial reports until March or later.

The Republican Governors Association said it raised $50.3 million last year and has roughly the same amount in the bank. Its rival, the Democratic Governors Association, said it raised $28 million last year but did not release its bank balance.