Jim Himes’ strong second-quarter fundraising showed that the local Democratic Party official could give Rep. Christopher Shays (R), a perennial Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee target, yet another tough race.

As of June 30, Himes collected more than $350,000 since entering the race in mid-April. He had $313,000 in cash on hand.

Himes caught a break recently when state Rep. James Shapiro announced he would not seek the 4th district Democratic nomination.

Shays, who has not filed his latest fundraising report yet, had $185,000 in his war chest when the quarter started April 1.

Shays was New England’s only Republican Congressman who was not swept from office during last year’s Democratic wave.

After two close calls, Democrats would like nothing more than to dislodge the veteran lawmaker from his Democratic-leaning district.
— Nicole Duran