DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Republican Joni Ernst has three times as much cash as Democrat Bruce Braley going in to the final days of the competitive Iowa Senate race.  Reports filed with the Federal Election Commission show Ernst raised $6 million between July 1 and Sept. 30 and ended that period with $3.6 million in cash. Braley raised $2.8 million during that time and ended the financial quarter with $1.2 million.

Braley, a four-term congressman from Waterloo, and Ernst, a state lawmaker and officer in the Iowa National Guard from Red Oak, are locked in one of the nation’s closest races. They are vying for the seat held by retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin.

Republicans hope to win in Iowa in their drive for the six-seat gain they need for a Senate majority.