Challenges aside, Bennett confident on fundraising

Democrat Sam Bennett has a tough challenge in taking on U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Allentown) in the 15th Congressional District. With Pennsylvania full of congressional races considered to be more competitive, and Democratic incumbents in vulnerable position, it is no doubt a difficult climate in which to raise the money needed to unseat Dent.

But these obstacles aside, Bennett says she's confident that voters feel it's time for the seat to change hands, and that there will be enough money in Democratic circles to propel her to victory. She has raised more money than any Democratic challenger in the state.

"Is it a competitive environment? Sure it is," Bennett said during a conference call with reporters this week.

Touting her campaign's recent addition to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red-to-Blue list, Bennett said her recently improved fundraising would continue.

"The DCCC acknowledges that the work we've already done has taken us here," she said.

During a conference call in which she railed at Dent's economic policies, Bennett also expressed gratitude to her recently departed campaign manager Kathryn Seck. Her new campaign manager, Josh Levin, told reporters that Dent's recent slew of negative advertising proved the election would be competitive.

"Simply put, incumbents don't come out with negative ads swinging like this unless they're worried," he said.

The campaign has grown increasingly heated in recent weeks.