U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D-Dimock) has a roughly $250,000 cash-on-hand advantage over Republican challenger Chris Hackett, according to 3rd quarter fundraising reports filed Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission.

The first-term incumbent raised $381,151 between July 1 and Sept. 30, compared to Hackett's $351,561. The quarter's fundraising gives Carney $584,198 cash on hand, compared to Hackett's $330,673.

But the Republican challenger has been able to spend more than Carney because of the $990,000, including $250,000 this quarter, he has loaned his campaign. Hackett's campaign has spent $1,874,783 thus far, compared to $1,539,313 from Carney.

Hackett's campaign manager, Mark Harris, declared victory.

"Our campaign has had another great fundraising quarter," Harris said. "We are on our way to victory on November 4, and it is always good to outraise your opponent."

Carney's campaign did not immediately return phone calls and e-mails seeking comment.

The relatively even fundraising between the two candidates in the 10th Congressional District is indicative of what has been one of the country's most competitive congressional races.

It might be leaning more Democratic lately, however, because of the country's financial crisis. A poll from Franklin & Marshall College released last week reported Carney had a 14-point advantage.