Boustany claims lead in funds with $500,000 in 3rd quarter
WASHINGTON — In advance of the Federal Election Commission releasing all campaign filings later this week, Rep. Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette, on Monday touted raising $500,000 in the third quarter.
Boustany is attempting to assert the fundraising lead he has maintained over fellow incumbent Rep. Jeff Landry, R-New Iberia, in the 3rd Congressional District race. The race also includes Democrat Ron Richard, of Lake Charles, and two other lesser known candidates.
The FEC deadline for third-quarter fundraising — July through September — was Monday in advance of the Nov. 6 open primary election. But the FEC had not yet posted most of the campaign disclosures as of late Monday
Boustany’s announcement of $500,000 in third-quarter fundraising — more than $2.8 million in total campaign contributions — leaves him with more than $1.2 million in cash on hand once his expenses are taken into account. Boustany’s best three-month period was raising more than $740,000 in the second quarter.
Landry, who had to make up ground in fundraising after a tough congressional race in 2010, had just less than $1 million on hand at the end of June. Landry raised $325,000 in the first quarter of 2012 and about $300,000 in the second quarter. His campaign has not yet disclosed his third-quarter figures, instead deferring to when the FEC will release the data.
Brent Littlefield, Landry’s campaign consultant, said Boustany is just trying to hide behind campaign numbers.
“It is clear that since the South Louisiana voters have become aware of his actual voting record they are moving in droves toward Landry,” Littlefield said in an email response.