Q3 cash: PCs come out on top, but trouble ahead

Also: More chiefs of staff roll in and Grits go at it on and off the debate stage

ABOVE THE FOLD

Update: The NDP and Grits have since released their internal fundraising numbers — and they’re rolling in it. Get our scoop.

While the PCs came as close to rock-bottom as ever this summer, they had no problem stacking their cash arsenal — but party insiders see trouble on the horizon. Meanwhile, the chiefs-of-staff shuffle continues, and we’ve got the exclusive on the newest recruits. And the Grits go fisticuffs on and off the debate stage.

Photo: Getty

First in Observer —FUNDRAISING WATCH — Amid the Greenbelt affair, the Tories are down in the dumps when it comes to public-opinion polling and caucus happiness levels — but fundraising this summer hasn’t slowed down. Still, some party insiders say that could change.

We delved into Elections Ontario’s public disclosures for the third-quarter, which show that the PCs continue to blow their opponents out of the water.

But first, some caveats: These numbers include funds raised for the back-to-back byelections in Scarborough a…