Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey reports that he's heading into his re-election year with $8.6 million in campaign cash, easily leading his rivals.
Casey's campaign reported the tally Friday. Jan. 31 is the deadline to give full campaign finance reports to the Federal Election Commission.
Casey's cash total is almost twice as much as he reported at the same point in 2012 while running for his current term.
Republican U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta says his campaign has more than $1 million. He's running for the GOP nomination to challenge Casey.
Other Republicans running are state Rep. Jim Christiana, perennial candidate Joe Vodvarka and Paul Addis, a former energy-sector executive. Libertarian Dale Kerns also is running.
March 13 is the deadline to file paperwork to get on the May 15 primary ballot.