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WASHINGTON -- Democrats nearly wiped out the traditional Republican advantage in raising unregulated "soft money" contributions during the first three months of this year.

Latest figures also show that despite a campaign season full of condemnation of political money excesses, both parties are on track to shatter soft money records.

The new results boosted total soft money contributions for both parties to$160 million through the first 15 months of the two-year campaign, nearly double the pace of giving in the last two elections.

The Democratic National Committee and its House and Senate campaign arms collected $26.7 million during the quarter -- nearly half of it from donors who gave $100,000 or more -- according to a review of new federal fundraising reports filed by the political parties.

The GOP, which usually enjoys a strong advantage in soft money, collected$27 million, barely ahead of the Democrats.

"Soft money" is the term for unlimited donations to the parties from corporations, labor unions and wealthy individuals. The money is not regulated because in theory it is not supposed to be used for direct campaigning for federal candidates. But that requirement is commonly evaded.

The new numbers show another trend: Six-figure contributions, once rare, have become commonplace.

"The asking price for these soft money contributions is now $100,000," says Kent Cooper of FECInfo, which analyzes Federal Election Commission reports.

A major factor was President Clinton's fundraising travel throughout the period, particularly in states such as New York, California and Florida that are rich sources of political donations.