Barely 6 1/2 months before the midterm elections, an internal investigation by the Republican National Committee has revealed that the organization is beset with questionable financial management and oversight and is spending more money courting top-dollar donors than it raises.

The investigation found that the Republican Party’s national governing body is losing money on its major-donors’ fundraising program — spending $1.09 for each $1.00 raised, according to RNC members privy to the investigation’s findings. It typically costs about 40 cents for every dollar raised from donors who give more than $1,000.

The investigation also found that the RNC has allowed employees to forge Finance Director Rob Bickhart’s initials on expense-reimbursement request approvals, according to an RNC member who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. The RNC’s top elected and appointed management have united in defense of the committee’s practices. RNC Chairman Michael S. Steele can withhold or increase RNC contributions to a state party.

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If the Nevada Senate election were held today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) says he’d win.

Reid, the top Senate Democrat, who’s facing arguably the toughest reelection fight of his career, expressed confidence that he would pull out a victory this fall.

“If the election were held today, I’d win,” the senator told the Nevada Appeal in an interview.

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This past weekend, the Tea Party rallies moved from the steps of the U.S. Capitol to Searchlight, Nev., home of the man activists hold responsible for passage of Obamacare: Senate majority leader Harry Reid. On Saturday, traffic into the tiny mining town where Reid grew up (population 700) was backed up for miles, as 7,000 people gathered for the Tea Party Express “Showdown in Searchlight.” Activists carried signs that read, “Harry: Searchlight Needs You, America Doesn’t.” And Sarah Palin drew raucous cheers when she told Reid, “You’re fired.”

But will a self-proclaimed Tea Party candidate end up saving Harry Reid’s job in November?

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A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate while 35% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent. Voter support for GOP congressional candidates dipped slightly from last week, while support for Democrats held steady.

Last week, Republicans posted a 10-point lead, their biggest margin in nearly three years of weekly tracking. GOP candidates started 2010 ahead by nine points, while support for Democrats fell to its lowest level over the same period.

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The new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate while 35% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent. Voter support for GOP congressional candidates increased slightly from last week, while support for Democrats fell two points.

Republicans started 2010 ahead by nine points, while support for Democrats fell to its lowest level over the same period.

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Sen. Byron Dorgan told MSNBC’s Ed Schultz tonight his surprise retirement decision was “no reflection” on the Democratic party and insisted he would have won reelection if he’d decided to stay. Get full story here.

“Chris Dodd has dedicated his life to public service and has always been on the front lines to make a difference where it counts. I know how much of an honor it has been for Chris to serve the people of Connecticut and how truly difficult this decision was for him to step away. His warm personality, sense of humor and optimistic spirit has won him great respect and many friends on both sides of the aisle. I salute Chris on his years of service and wish only the best for him and Jackie and their entire family as they look forward to the new challenges ahead of them.”

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