DeLay, Lampson see sizable jumps in coffers

DallasNews.com | News for Dallas, Texas | Texas/Southwest: "Nick Lampson, the defeated congressman trying to topple House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, has raised more than a half-million dollars, his campaign announced. But Mr. DeLay, R-Sugar Land, has raked in nearly $800,000 – his best three-month tally in 22 years.

Analysts said the totals foretell a competitive, potentially nasty and expensive contest next year – probably topping $5 million on each side, not counting the outside interest groups likely to pitch in.

'Tom DeLay can outraise and outspend anyone,' said Robert Stein, dean of the School of Social Sciences at Rice University in Houston. 'The truth is, should his problems get worse, it won't be Nick Lampson he's worried about.'"