RICHMOND — Virginia Democrats surged in fundraising over the summer, building a lead over Republicans in total cash reserves heading toward this fall’s crucial legislative elections.

Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates reported a total of $8.6 million cash on hand as of Aug. 31, compared with $7.7 million for Republican House candidates, according to the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project.

On the Senate side, Republicans reported a slight overall lead, with $5.3 million on hand compared with $5 million for Democrats.

All 140 seats in the legislature are on the ballot this year, as Republicans defend razor-thin majorities in the House (51-48) and Senate (20-19), with one vacancy in each chamber. With the balance of power up for grabs, Virginia is drawing enormous attention — and money — from national interests in both parties.

Read the full story at the Washington Post.