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OTTAWA — The imminent federal election campaign will see more money splashed around than ever before in Canada and the deep-pocketed Conservatives can claim a decided advantage — an edge that increases exponentially if Prime Minister Stephen Harper opts for a longer campaign than usual, new number-crunching shows.

While much as been made of the ruling party’s fundraising prowess at the national level, the biggest impact of an extended campaign will be felt by candidates in local riding contests.

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An in-depth analysis by The Canadian Press of financing at the grassroots level shows that Conservative candidates’ riding-based war chests are flush with cash, dramatically outpacing their political rivals in efforts to raise and stash away money.

A review of the most recent financial statements filed by riding associations to Elections Canada this month show candidates for the NDP, Liberals, Greens, Bloc Quebecois and other smaller parties simply don’t have the money to compete on a level playing field with Conservative contenders, whose local war chests are overflowing.