Democratic US Sen. Warren's PAC raises $229,000

BOSTON (AP) — A political action committee formed by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has raised nearly $229,000 during the first six months of the year, records show.

Warren used the PAC to contribute the maximum allowed to every member of Massachusetts' all-Democratic congressional delegation, according to an Associated Press review of a report filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Warren also gave $5,000 to the Massachusetts Democratic Party's federal campaign fund and $15,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. She also contributed money to the campaign accounts of Democratic lawmakers from outside Massachusetts.

Warren received contributions to her PAC for a Level Playing Field from individuals across the country. Warren has said that her PAC is intended to give those without deep pockets an equal voice in Washington.

Warren contributed $5,200 from her PAC to Massachusetts representatives Michael Capuano, William Keating, Joseph Kennedy, Edward Markey, James McGovern, Stephen Lynch, Richard Neal, John Tierney and Niki Tsongas.

Other Democratic members of Congress who received donations from Warren include Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois and Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island.

Warren had more than $100,000 in cash left in the PAC's account as of June 5.

In an email she sent to supporters in February, Warren said the PAC won't be funded by big corporate interests, but will be funded by what she called "grassroots donors."

She said the PAC will help "support candidates across the country who believe in consistent accountability, investing in opportunity, and fighting for families and small businesses."

Warren created the leadership PAC after winning her Senate campaign against former Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in what was the most expensive campaign in Massachusetts history.

Many members of Congress form such PACs to support candidates for various federal and nonfederal offices. The FEC defines a leadership PAC in part as a political committee established, financed, maintained or controlled by a candidate or federal officeholder.

Cox Media Group