The Federal Election Commission hasn’t posted Russ Fulcher’s first sunshine report.
But on Monday, the former state senator and former gubernatorial candidate touted his early fundraising — and early endorsements — in the race in Idaho’s 1st Congressional District.
In a news release, Fulcher said he raised more than $54,000 in seven days before the FEC’s June 30 filing deadline. The FEC has not yet posted any June 30 reports for the 1st District race.
On Monday, Fulcher also announced a series of endorsements — including several that appear to be designed to solidify his support in Idaho’s conservative Republican wing.
The endorsements include 22 Republican legislators. Among the notables: Senate Assistant Majority Leader Chuck Winder of Boise, Senate Education Committee Chairman Dean Mortimer of Idaho Falls and House GOP Caucus Chairman John Vander Woude of Nampa. The list also includes some of the Legislature’s hardline conservatives, such as Reps. Vito Barbieri of Dalton Gardens, Ron Nate of Rexburg and Heather Scott of Blanchard.
Other endorsements include Meridian Mayor Tammy De Weerd and West Ada School District trustee Mike Vuittonet.
Fulcher abandoned another run for governor in June, moving into the open race for Congress. He immediately drew the endorsement of outgoing U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, who is running for governor.
Fulcher is one of four major party candidates who have filed FEC “declarations of candidacy” in the 1st District. That list includes former Attorney General and Lt. Gov. David Leroy; Michael Snyder, a Bonners Ferry Republican who filed paperwork on July 2; and Post Falls Democrat Michael William Smith.
