New map has reps. raising cash

BOSTON (AP) - Members of the state's all-Democratic U.S. House delegation are stockpiling cash as they prepare to run in districts that in some cases have been radically redrawn under the state's new congressional map.

Rep. Richard Neal, whose district now extends all the way to the New York border, reported about $2.5 million in his campaign account at the start of the year.

Rep. Edward Markey, whose district picked up additional communities like Ashland, Wayland and Holliston, had the biggest war chest with more than $3.1 million.

One of the more closely watched races is pitting incumbent Rep. John Tierney of Salem against GOP challenger Richard Tisei (tih-SAY'). Tierney had more than $545,000 in cash at the start of the year compared with Tisei's $256,000.

The state's 10 congressional districts are being compressed into nine.