WASHINGTON–Just because the bi-state region’s members of Congress are all in pretty safe seats doesn’t mean they’re not busily raising and spending campaign cash.

Here’s a quick run-down of what local House members reported raising and spending in their first quarter reports, filed last night.

The biggest surprises: Reps. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, and John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, posted the heftiest bank accounts: more than $1.7 million and $1.4 million respectively. That means they both ended the quarter with even more money than House Minority Whip Roy Blunt, R-Strafford, who still raised the most money—and spent the most. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Town and Country, seemed the savviest, earning $22,000 in interest on his campaign account.

In Missouri’s one open U.S. House seat—the 9th district being vacated by Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia—Republican Bob Onder reported receipts of more than $370,000, the most of the eight contenders. But much of that–$250,000–was a loan from the candidate.
Blaine Luetkemeyer, the former director of Missouri tourism, came in second among Republicans, raising $71,300. He also apparently ran an expense-free campaign, reporting no disbursements.

On the Democratic side, Judy Baker outstripped her rivals. Baker, a state rep from Columbia, raised $112,097. Ken Jacob, a former state senator, came in second, reporting $79,930 in receipts. But Jacob’s tally also included a loan from himself, of $50,000.

Anyway, below are the specifics. Keep in mind these are first quarter numbers, covering Jan. 1, 2008 through the end of March. The cash on hand figures include any funds carried over from last year’s activities.

Rep. Todd Akin, R-Town and Country:

Receipts: $615,159 Spent: $320,109 Cash on Hand: $757,663

Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Strafford:

Receipts: 1,731,148 Spent: $1,048,557 Cash on Hand: $1,036,251

Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis

Receipts: $479,259 Spent: $369,974 Cash on hand: $195,779

Rep. William Lacy Clay Jr., D-St. Louis:

Receipts: $411,382 Spent: $382,245 Cash on hand: $162,767

Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville:

Receipts: $855,990 Spent: $494,820 Cash on Hand: $1,792,308

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau:

Receipts: $644,192 Spent: $395,911 Cash on Hand: $359,863

Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville:

Receipts: $776,477 Spent: $383,951 Cash on Hand: $1,411,271

In the 9th district race, there are eight candidates running, four Democrats and four Republicans.

Here are the Dems:

Baker raised $112,097, spent $24,718 and ended March with $188,496.

Lyndon Bode raised $77,100, spent $65,738, and ended March with $11,362

Steven Gaw raised $110,699 spent $8,616, and ended with $102,052.

Kenneth Jacob raised $79,930, spent $5,569, and ended with $74,361. He also reported a $50,000 debt.

Here’s the Repubs:

Blaine Luetkemeyer raised $71,300, spent $0, and ended the quarter with $71,300.

Danielle Moore raised $21,675, spent $3,751 and ended the quarter with $17,924. She reported $1,827 in debt.

Bob Onder raised $370,198, spent $1220.96, and ended with $368,977 in the bank.

Brock Olivo had about $22,000 in the bank and loaned himself $30,000, according to the Associated Press. (We couldn’t find his latest report on the FEC website.)