WASHINGTON (AP) — The political committee representing House Democrats said it has raised more than $61 million last year, giving the group a stronger financial footing heading into the November election.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's fundraising blitz leaves it with $11.6 million in cash on hand, helping to extinguish the debt the group carried through late last year.

"Going into 2011, our goal was to match the Republican majority in fundraising," DCCC Chairman Steve Israel said. "But so far, our grassroots supporters have driven us to exceed all expectations."

The National Republican Congressional Committee, the Democrats' House counterpart, said it has about $15 million cash on hand. Federal Election Commission figures show the group would have had to raise an additional $9.6 million in December to match the DCCC's fundraising efforts.

A full report on both committees' expenses will be filed with the FEC by Jan. 31.