WAUSAU, Wis. (WTAQ) - Wausau’s David Obey is among 12 retiring House Democrats who owe a total of $2 million in dues to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

The Hill, a Washington newspaper that focuses on Congress, says Obey has only paid $100,000 of the $500,000 he owes. The money is supposed to come from his campaign fund, which had $1.4 million at last word. Obey has not commented.

Campaign committee spokesman Ryan Rudominer said his group would welcome dues from its retiring members, to ensure that Democrats keep a strong majority after the November elections. But that might not be easy.

A National Public Radio poll says Republicans are leading in 60 districts with incumbent Democrats – and a loss of 40 seats would give control of the House back to the GOP.

The Hill says retiring House members often move their campaign funds into a political action committee after they retire, so they can remain at least a little active. But the report quotes strategists in saying it might be better for retiring members to use their cash on other Democratic candidates this year, so the party can maintain its numbers going into next year.