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Now reportedly on her third campaign manager, Bennett’s fundraising has also lagged. She had $354,000 in her campaign coffers at the end of June. And while Dent is not a fundraising machine with $687,000 in the bank at that same point in time, his campaign operation is in better shape and he has worked hard to build a moderate profile since first winning the seat in 2004.

18th district
Incumbent: Tim Murphy (R)
3rd term (58 percent)
Outlook: Likely Republican

Once thought to be a potential target, Murphy again appears to be getting a pass from Democrats — who have struggled each cycle to recruit a competitive challenger in this swing district. Their nominee, businessman Steve O’Donnell, originally put $355,300 of his own funds into the race but had only $114,000 in the bank by the end of June.

Murphy, on the other hand, is flush with cash: He had $1 million in the bank at the end of June. Even though this district could be competitive with the right Democrat, Murphy is in good shape to keep his seat for another term.

West Virginia

Senate

Incumbent: Jay Rockefeller (D)
4th term (63 percent)
Outlook: Safe Democratic

A $3.3 million campaign account, a family fortune to back that up and no serious GOP opposition means Rockefeller won’t be losing any sleep over his re-election chances this cycle.

Two-time Senate candidate Jay Wolfe, a former state Senator, has decided to take up the GOP mantle once again this year for Republicans. Rockefeller beat Wolfe in 2002 by 26 points, and he shouldn’t have any trouble dispatching him again.

2nd district
Incumbent: Shelley Moore Capito (R)
4th term (57 percent)
Outlook: Likely Republican

A quick shuffle before the state’s filing deadline brought Democrat Anne Barth into the 2nd district race, and it’s been clear from the beginning that Barth’s biggest asset is her close ties to beloved home-state Sen. Robert Byrd (D).

Barth is a former top aide to Byrd, and despite the Senator’s continued health problems, he’s been relatively active in her campaign. Byrd has appeared at fundraisers on Barth’s behalf and has even cut a television commercial endorsing her and knocking Capito. Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has put the 2nd district race on its “Red to Blue” target list, but as of the end of September had not reserved any TV ad time in the district.

Perhaps that’s because Capito is popular, well-entrenched and well-funded. In fact, Capito was considered a potential contender for the Senate this cycle but decided against the move. She’d be the most likely GOP nominee for the Senate when a seat does become vacant.