Republican campaign spending splurge worries Democrats

Republicans raised and spent money for the presidential race at a frenetic pace in January, according to financial disclosures that also show why Democrats are concerned about the flagging Super PAC that supports President Barack Obama.

The breathtaking pace of fundraising and spending in the race for the Republican presidential nomination also revealed why campaigns are increasingly likely to rely on independent political action committees, or PACs, to boost their efforts.

Unlike campaigns, PACs have no limits on what they can raise or spend, so a few wealthy donors to a PAC can have a dramatic impact on a race.