Democrats Cut Spending Gap

WASHINGTON — The Republican Party spent $300 million in the last two years, or three times as much as the Democrats, the Federal Election Commission said today.

But the Democratic Party narrowed the gap from the previous two elections, when it was outspent by the GOP by more than 5 to 1. The commission said the GOP raised $297.9 million and spent $300.8 million during 1983-84, or 40% more than 1981-82. The Democrats raised $98.5 million and spent $97.4 million, almost 2 1/2 times more than in 1981-82.