McHugh might be pulling away from Bartlett in House Armed Services battle

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett is stilling vying to be the Republican ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee -- a position which can hinge on how well your campaign war chest is doing.

So, how's it going?

Bartlett's cash on hand is up from $281,000 last quarter to $337,000 as of June 30. He raised $66,400 in that period.

And after leading in cash on hand last cycle with $366,600, Texas Rep. Mac Thornberry reported $417,600 cash on hand in Q2, still ahead of his competitors. He brought in $80,200 in the last three months, after raising an impressive in the first quarter.

But it is New York Rep. John McHugh -- currently third in seniority (the top two are retiring) -- who this last quarter established as the likely replacement. He raised $164,200 in Q2 and now has $376,100 in cash on hand -- up from $261,700 three months earlier.

But the most important factor is that McHugh, unlike Bartlett and Thornberry, sent lots of money to fellow GOP members of the committee and the Republican Steering Committee, which selects leadership.

While he gave $500 to committee member Thelma Drake (VA), Representatives Tim Walberg (MI), Bill Sali (ID), Jean Schmidt (OH), Sam Graves (MO), Rick Keller (FL) and Michelle Bachmann (MN) each got a $1,000 donation.

McHugh also gave to some who are not seeking re-election this year: $500 to retiring House Armed Services Ranking Member Duncan Hunter (CA) and $1,000 to Rep. Vito Fossella (NY), who's second family was exposed after a drunk driving arrest.

Another $500 went to Ohio 18th challenger Fred Dailey and $250 to 2007 gubernatorial candidate and 2008 Kentucky 3rd challenger, former Rep. Anne Northup (KY).

As well, he kicked in a thousand for the Peoria County, Illinois State's Attorney race of Darin LaHood, who is the son of seven-term Rep. Ray.

Every cent goes toward building goodwill in the caucus. Bartlett has some catching up to do.