The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., appears to be increasing his lead over former Democratic Rep. Jim Slattery in his reelection run. A new poll by Rasmussen Reports shows Roberts ahead of Slattery 57 percent to 30 percent. The newspaper said Roberts appeared more vulnerable in an early June survey, “when his level of support dropped below 50 percent.” At that time, Roberts led Slattery, 48 percent to 39 percent. A Slattery spokeswoman said the slide is not surprising in light of what she said was heavy spending by Roberts on negative advertising against the Democrat. She said she expects the race to tighten as voters focus on Roberts’ record.

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports that the Democratic challenger to Rep. Mark Souder, R-Ind., has more cash on hand for his campaign than the incumbent. The newspaper says the most recent finance filings show Michael Montagano benefited from contributions from six unions that each gave him $5,000. “Since mid-April, the last time the candidates disclosed their fundraising information, Souder collected $89,873. He has $323,339 in the bank...Montagano raised $141,407 and has $351,702 on hand.” The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee “recently added Montagano to its list of up-and-comers.”

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Louisiana Democratic Rep. William J. Jefferson, who faces federal corruption charges, is getting help from his family with campaign fundraising. Jefferson’s wife, his two daughters, the daughters’ husbands and the daughters’ law firm, each gave the campaign $2,300 for a total of $13,800 dollars last month, according to the most recent finance report. “That’s nearly a third of the $45,250 the nine-term congressman raised during the second quarter of 2008 as he prepares for a Sept. 6 primary against seven Democratic opponents.” The indictment against Jefferson accuses him “of seeking bribes for businesses run by family members, including his wife and children,” the newspaper said. He has denied wrongdoing and faces a Dec. 2 trial.