Washington ? Candidates in the high-profile 2002 race for Kansas’ 3rd District congressional seat spent about $13 for each vote cast, according to reports filed Thursday with the Federal Election Commission.

Rep. Dennis Moore, the lone congressional Democrat from Kansas, raised $1.92 million to win a third term in the House, while his challenger, Republican newcomer Adam Taff, raised nearly $1.16 million.

As of Nov. 25, Moore had spent $1.8 million to Taff’s $1 million — or about $13 on each of the 219,389 people who voted in the 3rd District election. During the 2000 election, the average winning campaign for U.S. House spent less than $5 per vote, according to opensecrets.org, which tracks campaign finance. Figures for 2002 are not available.

Taff’s cash on hand as of Nov. 25 — $123,068 — was about the same as the amount of his debt — $120,000. However, Taff said Thursday that he wanted to keep a healthy campaign account to position himself for a 2004 campaign and would take his time repaying the debt.

The debt comes from a personal loan from Taff to his campaign; thus far he has repaid $35,000 of the $155,000 loan. He also must pay interest on the loan.

Moore’s cash on hand was $129,699, with no debt.

Their fund-raising for the entire cycle breaks down this way:

• Moore raised $917,439 from individual donors, who could give a total of $2,000 each during the course of the election. Taff raised $644,510 from such contributors.
• Moore brought in $832,913 from political action committees, which are run by interest groups or associated with companies or industries and could contribute as much as $10,000 each during this election cycle. Taff brought in $318,000 from PACs.
• Political parties gave $106,849 to Moore for the cycle and $18,750 to Taff.

The contest between Moore and Taff was the state’s featured congressional race. The other three incumbents, all Republicans, won reelection with 60 percent or more.

Rep. Todd Tiahrt, who defeated Democratic challenger Carlos Nolla in the Wichita-area 4th District, reported raising $981,894 for the cycle; he had $91,531 cash on hand as of Nov. 25. Nolla’s report was not yet on file, and he could not immediately be reached. Tiahrt won, 61 percent to 37 percent.

In eastern Kansas, Rep. Jim Ryun raised $429,182 over the course of his successful campaign against Democrat Dan Lykins. Ryun had $231,819 cash on hand. Lykins’ report was not yet on file.

And in western Kansas, where Rep. Jerry Moran had no Democratic challenger and won 91 percent of the vote, Moran raised $494,299 and had $574,078 cash on hand.