One 1st District files FEC report, one drops out

By James Q. Lynch

First District Republican hopeful Mike LaCoste of Waterloo has filed his first quarter campaign fundraising report with the Federal Election Commission showing he's raised $5,800.

LaCoste is in a three-way primary for the GOP nomination to face Rep. Bruce Braley, a Waterloo Democrat, in November. He'll face Ben Lange of Independence and William Johnson of Dubuque in the June 8 primary.

A fourth candidate, James Budde of Bellevue, has dropped out of the race. He endorsed Johnson.

Ironically, Budde said he endorsed Johnson, who along with LaCoste, are the Tea Party candidates seeking the nomination. Lange, who worked for a Republican congressman in Washington, has closer ties to the GOP, Budde said.

In his FEC statement, LaCoste showed $5,050 cash on hand. Lange has $27,713 on hand. Johnson has not filed a FEC report, which is required if a candidate raises or spends $5,000.

Braley reported has $623,736 on hand.

The FEC reports may be found at www.fec.gov.