Forty-two new Democrats entered the House of Representatives after the 2006 elections, about half of whom won districts President Bush carried in 2004. These freshmen, due to the make-up of their districts, became instant targets for Republicans, and were forced to instantly begin raising money for the next election.

With yesterday's year-end filing deadline, the top fundraising performers in 2007 were uncovered. In Florida's 16th District, Rep. Tim Mahoney, who took over the seat once held by Mark Foley, reported having about $1.5 million cash on hand after raising more than $400,000 in the 4th quarter. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, from New York's 20th District, was the only freshman to top Mahoney, reporting just more than $2 million cash on hand after a $440,000 4th quarter.

Other freshman Democrats in Bush-won districts who appear ready financially to handle a tough Republican challenge include:

-- Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona's 8th District: $1.3 million cash on hand, $272,000 raised in the 4th quarter. Giffords faces a strong challenge from Republican State Senate President Tim Bee, who came close to $300,000 raised after the 4th Quarter.

-- Patrick Murphy, Pennsylvania's 8th District: $1.2 million cash on hand, $220,000 raised in the 4th quarter. Republicans are excited about a new recruit who just joined the race, but the Philadelphia suburbs have been difficult for the GOP lately, and Murphy's strong fundraising performance could keep him in office for a long time.

-- John Hall, New York's 19th District: $1 million cash on hand, $326,000 raised in the 4th quarter. Hall got help from across the aisle when a top Republican recruit opted not to run. Next year, the former Orleans front man will likely be, if you'll pardon the pun, Still the One.

-- Jason Altmire, Pennsylvania's 4th District: $911,000 cash on hand, $239,000 raised in the 4th quarter. Altmire faces a well-funded challenge from the woman he beat, former Rep. Melissa Hart, in this suburban Pittsburgh district. Hart has about a third of what Altmire has in the bank, but if Republicans are going to retake a seat, Pennsylvania 4 presents as good a chance as any.

-- Baron Hill, Indiana's 9th District: $862,000 cash on hand, $243,529 raised in the 4th quarter. Hill will once again face former Rep. Mike Sodrel, the fourth time the two have battled over the Southeastern Indiana district. Sodrel, a trucking executive, will be well-funded, but after two wins in three chances, Hill maintains the upper hand.

-- Tim Walz, Minnesota's 1st District: $843,000 cash on hand, $250,000 raised in the 4th quarter. While Republicans were hopeful their recruits -- a state senator and state representative -- would be able to compete in a district long held by Republican Rep. Gil Gutknecht. Still, Walz has outraised both by a Texas mile, and GOP attention seems to have shifted away from the district.

More on these and other top freshman Democratic performers to come...

-- Kyle Trygstad