The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee last month gave the maximum direct contributions to the re-election campaigns of Sens. Barbara Boxer (Calif.) and Russ Feingold (Wis.).

According to the DSCC’s March campaign finance report, it gave $42,600 to each. That is the maximum a national party committee can give directly to a Senate candidate, though it’s only a fraction of what the DSCC is permitted to spend in coordinated expenditures that can be made in concert with candidates’ campaigns — or on independent expenditures that cannot.

But the DSCC’s twin payment is a sign the committee is fully committed to re-electing them.

Boxer and Feingold both are seeking their fourth terms.

Boxer, who is getting serious fundraising help from President Barack Obama, will face the winner of a Republican primary that includes former Rep. Tom Campbell, state Assemblyman Chuck DeVore and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.

Feingold is less politically vulnerable than Boxer now that he won’t be facing former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R), who announced last week that he would not challenge the Senator. Two lesser-known Republicans are challenging Feingold at the moment.

Lawmakers Endorse to Sway Primary Opinion

As candidates in contested primaries look toward Capitol Hill for an edge that will help them seal the deal with voters, some lawmakers are picking favorites rather than stay on the sidelines until there’s a nominee.

The latest endorsements:

• In Indiana, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) announced his backing for Indiana state Sen. Marlin Stutzman in the Republican primary for the Senate.

Stutzman is widely viewed as an underdog in the GOP race, which also features former Rep. John Hostettler and former Sen. Dan Coats, the favorite of the party’s establishment.

• In Florida, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) endorsed the Senate bid of former state Speaker Marco Rubio.