U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., buttressed his financial advantage over state Treasurer Bob Casey Jr., his anticipated Democratic challenger, in the last quarter of 2005.

Mr. Santorum raised $2,487,103 from October through December, and ended the year with a cash balance of $7,759,460. Mr. Casey raised $1,667,086 during the same period. He entered 2006 with $3,443,250.

Mr. Santorum's lead in the pace of fund raising reversed the pattern of the previous quarter when Mr. Casey pulled in more cash, while remaining well behind on total receipts over the entire election cycle.

"Senator Santorum is grateful for the tremendous support he has received from every corner of Pennsylvania,'' said Virginia Davis, his campaign press secretary. "Not only does he have contributors in every one of the commonwealth's 67 counties, but nearly three-quarter of the individuals who have given to him live in Pennsylvania.''

The Republican outraised his challenger in individual donations -- $1,998,324 to $1,522,213. He also had an advantage in receipts from political committees, such as PACs. In that category, Mr. Santorum received $484,429, while Mr. Casey reported $143,872.

Neither campaign reported any debt, or contributions from the candidate himself.

"Because of the outpouring of support for Bob Casey, we have the resources to win,'' Larry Smar, a spokesman for Casey, said in a statement released with summaries of the information filed with the Federal Election Commission yesterday.

Since his campaign began 10 months ago, the Democrat has raised a total of $5.9 million. The Santorum committee, which was in business well before Mr. Casey entered the race, has reported total receipts of $13.3 million through the election cycle.