Finance Reports Show Competition in 1st CD Race

The candidates in Nebraska’s First Congressional District race filed reports showing they’re competitive in terms of campaign fundraising and spending heading into this month’s special election. Republican Mike Flood and Democrat Patty Pansing Brooks, both state senators, are running against each other to succeed Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. Fortenberry resigned in March after being convicted of lying to the FBI about illegal campaign contributions.

Campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission Thursday show Flood and Pansing Brooks have been busy raising and spending money in the weeks leading up to the June 28th special election. The reports cover the period from April 21 through June 8.

Flood’s report shows he raised $346,000 and spent $490,000. Combined with money raised earlier, that left him with $33,000 cash on hand, and debt of $128,000.

Pansing Brooks' report shows her raising $246,000 and spending $161,000. Combined with earlier receipts, that left her with $366,000 cash on hand, and no debt.

Notable among Pansing Brooks receipts was $2,900 from Nebraska First Lady Susanne Shore. Shore, a Democrat, is married to Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican, who has endorsed Flood. Pansing Brooks reported all but about $9,000 came from individual contributors.

By contrast, Flood’s receipts include $133,000 from political committees, including $15,000 from a PAC affiliated with Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader who held a fundraiser for Flood, and $10,000 each from PACs affiliated with Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and Nebraska Third District Rep. Adrian Smith.

The June 28 special election is to fill the remaining portion of Fortenberry’s term, until January of next year. Pansing Brooks and Flood will meet again in November, to determine who will serve the following two years.