Congressional candidates fill war chests

? Four-term Republican Rep. Jim Ryun received a surprise from campaign money reports due Thursday. Although his overall campaign coffer contains more money, his would-be challenger, Democrat Nancy Boyda, raised nearly twice as much money as him in the first quarter of the year.

Meantime, Democratic Rep. Dennis Moore eclipsed everyone running for the U.S. House in Kansas. All the incumbents — Ryun, Moore and GOP Reps. Todd Tiahrt and Jerry Moran — already have hefty campaign funds.

Ryun, the former Olympic miler, is raising money toward a fifth term representing the 2nd District of eastern Kansas, which includes most of the city of Lawrence west of Iowa Street. He raised $92,999 from January through March, the period covered on reports due Thursday to the Federal Election Commission.

Boyda, a political unknown who started campaigning in November, demonstrated strength as a candidate by raising $274,250. That amount includes a $100,000 loan from herself to her campaign. Boyda had a career in the pharmaceutical industry and briefly taught school.

“These numbers reflect a tremendous statewide base of support for my candidacy,” Boyda said in a statement issued by her campaign.

Ryun still has the advantage in cash on hand, with $380,121, compared to Boyda’s $230,396.

An aide to Ryun, Mark Kelly, said: “Congressman Ryun is right on track with his fund-raising plan for the year to have all the resources necessary to win in November.”

“He’s focused primarily on doing the job he was elected to do, and when it comes time to campaign this fall, the congressman believes his solid record will resonate with the people of the 2nd District,” Kelly said.

Overall, Ryun has raised $334,658 for his re-election, while Boyda’s total since last year was $333,782.

Moore, whose 3rd District includes the eastern side of Lawrence, raised $301,832, boosting his campaign coffers to $829,297 cash on hand. Since the beginning of 2003, Moore has raised $1.04 million.

Three Republicans — Adam Taff, who was the party’s nominee in 2002, State Rep. Patricia Lightner of Overland Park and former Overland Park City Council member Kris Kobach — are battling to unseat Moore.

Taff raised $177,655 in the first quarter, bringing his overall total to $556,538. Those figures include personal loans from himself to his campaign amounting to $62,865 in the first quarter; in all, his campaign debt is $141,804. His cash on hand is $401,923, which Taff said is a record for a GOP candidate in that district.

Lightner also made a personal loan to her campaign. She raised $41,134, including her $30,000 loan. Since last year, Lightner raised a total of $17,230. She had $44,206 cash on hand.

Kobach’s report was not yet on file.