This week's special election for Congress, in which City Councilwoman Janice Hahn is considered the front-runner, has drawn bucketsful of cash for her and Republican opponent Craig Huey.

According to the group MapLight, which tracks political contributions, Hahn had raised more than $1.25 million while Huey has put in nearly $800,000 in his own money and raised more than $140,000 in donations.

Hahn's contributions include nearly $400,000 from political action committees - primarily Democratic organizations, unions and feminist groups.

Huey has received some donations from groups such as Citizens United, one of the main supporters of Tea Party candidates.

If the election is a blowout and one candidate concedes, the winner could be installed as early as Thursday. Otherwise, they would have to wait until the election results are certified by the Los Angeles County registrar.

There are a number of people lining up to succeed Hahn on the council if she is elected to Congress. They include former City Councilman Rudy Svorinich, Assemblyman Warren Furutani and Pat McOsker, president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City. McOsker would have to move into the district to be eligible to run. There also are a number of candidates with strong local support looking to run.