Vito Fossella

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?

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Newton), the chairman of the powerful House Financial Services Committee, reported raising more than $380,000 in the second quarter of this year, over a third of the haul coming from political action committees, according to the Federal Election Commission.

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Newton)Frank reported ending the quarter with $817,102 cash on hand, after beginning the quarter with $804,004. He raised $383,086 in the quarter, bringing his fundraising haul to $1,627,256 for the cycle.

In contributions, Frank received the majority of his funds from individuals in the second quarter ($225,255) but also brought in $142,960 from PACs. PACS have contributed $691,479 to Frank this cycle. Among his highest contributors, the United Bank of Switzerland America's Fund for Better Government gave Frank $10,000 over the course of the quarter. Pacific Life, the insurance company, gave Frank $2,000 through its PAC. Prudential Financial Inc.'s PAC also contributed $2,000 to Frank's war chest in the second quarter.

U.S. Rep. Vito Fossella brought his mistress along on a taxpayer-funded trip to Europe, and U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings - then chair of the House Ethics Committee - was there to watch it all happen.

U.S. Rep. Vito Fossella: Getty Images PhotoWhen New York Rep. Vito Fossella, the last Republican to hold a seat that touches any part of New York City, was arrested for driving while intoxicated three weeks ago and admitted an extramarital affair that had continued for a number of years, House Republicans expressed dismay at their party's fortunes. It meant another marginal seat -- a district that voted once for President Bush and once for Al Gore -- could be in jeopardy.