The Democratic Senate incumbents thought to be in the most electoral trouble this year came out of the 4th fundraising quarter of 2009 with sizeable cash-on-hand totals, as did the ones who are so far only marginally vulnerable.

Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) and Arlen Specter (Pa.) each have $8.7 million; Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), $5 million; Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), $5.2 million; and Michael Bennet (Colo.), $3.5 million. Then there is Barbara Boxer (Calif.) -- who will face one of three Republicans battling for the nomination -- with $7.3 million; and Evan Bayh (Ind.) -- whose opponent, former Senator Dan Coats, just got in the race this week -- with $13 million.

In what has already been a tough year for Democrats, these senators all begin their election years on solid footing -- at least financially. Except for Specter's primary challenger, Rep. Joe Sestak ($5.1 million), no one's opponents come close to matching their bank account totals.

Even the Democrats not yet considered vulnerable but are worth keeping an eye on -- Russ Feingold (Wisc.) and Patty Murray (Wash.) -- begin the year with healthy cash-on-hand totals. Feingold, who trailed former governor Tommy Thompson (R) in a recent poll, has nearly $3.7 million in the bank.

Already in the race to challenge Murray is motivational speaker and author Chris Widener and former Washington Redskins tight end Clint Didier, while Rep. Dave Reichert is reportedly still considering a bid. Murray reports $5.2 million in the bank, while Reichert comes closest with less than $500,000 on hand.

Republicans hold the advantage in the open Democratic seats in Illinois and Delaware, as well as a lead in the polls. Democrats just found out their nominees in both states this week, as Alexi Giannoulias won the Illinois Democratic primary and Chris Coons joined the race in Delaware. Republicans hold the money advantage in Connecticut as well, though Richard Blumenthal (D) just entered the race a month ago and is currently 20 points up in the polls.

In the open GOP seats in Florida, Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio, Republicans also are either competitive (Kentucky) or lead in the money race (the other three). In Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist has $7.6 million, with his GOP primary opponent Marco Rubio trailing with $2 million. Rep. Kendrick Meek, the likely Democratic nominee, had a successful fundraising quarter and begins the year with $3.4 million.

So while independent voters are trending away from Democrats, the money is still floating in. It's certainly a good sign for Democrats. Of course, raising the money is only the first step.