Inside Politics: Massachusetts Senate race raises questions on heritage

The governor’s campaign said the money came from nearly 126,000 donors.

Mr. Walker raised $13.1 million between Jan. 1 and April 23, eclipsing his own record of $12.1 million in fundraising for a state office he set in 2011.

Democrats are trying to oust Mr. Walker and five other Republicans as payback for passing a law last year that stripped most public workers of nearly all their union rights. A primary election is set for May 8, with a general recall election to follow on June 5.

COMMERCE

Consumer spending slow in March, but income rose

Americans increased their spending more slowly in March, raising questions that consumers could be worried about the economy.

The Commerce Department said consumer spending increased just 0.3 percent in March after a 0.9 percent gain in February. Income grew 0.4 percent following a 0.3 percent gain in February.

Consumer spending is closely watched because it accounts for 70 percent of economic growth. It rose at the fastest pace in more than a year in the January-March quarter. But consumers could be cutting back because of weak income gains and a slowdown in hiring.

The amount of income left after paying taxes was up just 0.2 percent in March after adjusting for inflation. The tiny increase followed two months of declines.

CONGRESS

Alabama congressman cleared in ethics panel investigation

The chairman of the House Financial Services Committee said Monday he’s been cleared by an ethics panel that investigated his investment activities leading up to and surrounding Congress’ $700 billion bailout of Wall Street.

Rep. Spencer Bachus, Alabama Republican, said the Office of Congressional Ethics voted 6-0 on Friday to dismiss allegations that he profited from nonpublic information learned on the job.

Mr. Bachus, a 10-term House member, easily won his March primary.

• From wire dispatches and staff reports