2nd 1st District candidate drops out of race

By Pat Kinney

Pat.kinney@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO -- Mike LaCoste wanted to run his congressional campaign like his household: Pay as you go.

He decided Friday it was time to go.

LaCoste, a retired John Deere worker who was in a three-way race for the Republican nomination to face fellow Waterloo resident and incumbent U.S. Rep Bruce Braley in November, announced he is dropping out of the race.

"It came down to money," said LaCoste. "It comes down to spending."

LaCoste's name still will appear on the June 8 primary election ballot. And he's not endorsing another candidate.

"I'm going to vote for myself," he said, because he feels he's still right on the issues.

He's the second candidate to drop out of the race. James Budde of Bellevue dropped out endorsed William Johnson of Dubuque, who he said is more representative of the Tea Party movement.LaCoste will appear on the June 8 primary ballot with Ben Lange of Independence and Johnson in the June 8 primary.

"I have tried to run a frugal campaign," LaCoste said in a prepared statement. "The problem is being frugal in my own house is one thing, but trying to run a campaign with that same concept in the political scene is a totally different concept. I tried my best to get my message out. But in the end it takes money to run a campaign and to get your message out there for the people.

"I don't want to beg lots of money from you just for me," LaCoste said. "We need to concentrate all of what's available so we can retire career politician Bruce Braley."

LaCoste noted he will still keep his website, www.lacosteforcongress.com, in operation through the primary, but will not be soliciting campaign contributions online or anywhere else.

In his recently filed Federal Election Commission 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.