As Republican candidates jockey in the open race in Idaho’s 1st Congressional District, they are carving up support from GOP politicos and lobbyists.
Those splits are apparent in the most recent federal campaign finance reports, covering July 1 through Sept. 30.
The numbers and the highlights:
Russ Fulcher. The former state senator from Meridian raised $100,421, including a $35,000 personal loan to the campaign, and spent $51,184. Notable supporters: Senate Education Committee Chairman Dean Mortimer ($1,000), West Ada school trustee Mike Vuittonet ($500); state Rep. Dorothy Moon, a House Education Committee member ($500); and Sen. Cliff Bayer, a member of a legislative committee reviewing Idaho’s school funding formula ($500.)
Luke Malek. The Coeur d’Alene attorney and legislator raised $81,814 and spent $7,328. His supporters include former House speaker and Boise State University lobbyist Bruce Newcomb ($500), and state Rep. Marcus Gibbs ($500). He has also received donations from several prominent Statehouse lobbyists — including $1,000 apiece from John Foster and Kate Haas, whose Kestrel West firm is active on education issues.
Michael Snyder. The Bonners Ferry Republican has raised $33,892 and spent $13,517. Only three of his 21 donors live in Idaho.
David Leroy. The Boise attorney and former lieutenant governor and attorney general raised $31,036 and spent $42,506. His donor list includes Roy Eiguren, a high-profile Statehouse lobbyist ($450) and former state legislators Linden Bateman and Dean Haagenson, who each contributed $250.
Three other candidates — Post Falls Republican Nicholas Henderson, Meridian Democrat Donald Roy Miller and Post Falls Democrat Michael William Smith — reported no contributions during the filing period.
The candidates are vying to replace current U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, who is running for governor.
More reading: On our elections page, find out where Fulcher, Malek and Leroy stand on federal education issues.
