Iowa House leaders raise $505,000

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha, and Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, have reported raising more than a half-million dollars between them for this fall's legislative campaigns.

Paulsen raised $314,887 and Upmeyer raised $190,697. Combined, their reports total $505,584.

The leaders point to the remarkable fundraising reports as proof of the Republican momentum.

“Our successful fundraising is a direct result of taking our positive message to Iowans all across the state,” said Paulsen. “We're pleased with the results and believe this is just the start of the success we expect to have in November.”

Upmeyer added that recruitment of candidates will also help fuel their successes.

“While we have had success in our fundraising efforts, we are seeing a tremendous group of Iowans come forward to seek election to the Iowa House,” she said. “These candidates are out meeting with people in their district, talking to real Iowans about how policies affect them