Golden Gavels? Committee chairs rake in campaign cash

Raising campaign cash can be easier when you have a gavel in your hand.

Tuesday's release of a new batch of campaign finance reports — covering all of 2015 — again illustrated the power of incumbency. Sitting legislators scooped up hundreds of thousands of combined campaign dollars as they gear up for a fall battle where all 201 seats are at stake.

Committee chairmen and chairwoman often have an easier time, particularly those deeply involved in setting the state budget or tax policy. Many draw checks from lobbyists, political associations or executives in industries in their law-writing jurisdiction.

Here's a glimpse at how legislative leaders did last year raising money for campaign accounts while abiding by a $1,000 per donor limit.

Committee chairs' campaign fundraising in 2015