Ward wins fund-raising help from Reps. Simpson, Boehner and Wilson

Idaho 1st District Republican congressional candidate Vaughn Ward has enlisted Idaho's GOP congressman, Mike Simpson, and top GOP leaders in the quest to raise campaign funds.

But Simpson's help is limited to helping Ward with a December 8 fund-raiser in Washington, D.C., says his spokeswoman, Nikki Watts.

"It is not an endorsement," Watts said. "Mr. Ward asked if he could use Congressman Simpson's name for this event in D.C., but he would do the same for any other Republican running in the 1st Congressional District."

Simpson is among 14 congressmen hosting the fund-raiser at the Capitol Hill Club. Ward, of Eagle, is seeking the GOP nomination to challenge freshman Democrat Walt Minnick in 2010.

Others on the invitation include the top House Republican, Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, and four other members of GOP leadership: Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia, Chief Deputy Whip Kevin McCarthy of California, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions of Texas and Deputy NRCC Chairman Greg Walden of Oregon.

The list also includes the newly notable Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, who became famous for calling President Obama a liar during his September speech on health care to a joint session of Congress.

Watts said Simpson is remaining neutral in the race, but helping out fellow Republicans who consider the Minnick among the most vulnerable Democrats in the nation.

Idaho Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle, said two weeks ago he will enter the race, after the withdrawal of Idaho Rep. Ken Roberts, R-Donnelly. Former GOP Rep. Bill Sali is still considering a rematch with Minnick, who beat him by about 4,200 votes in 2008.

Ward had a big fund-raising edge over Roberts, having raised $246,000 though Sept. 30 compared to $62,000 for Roberts. Minnick had raised $886,000.

Ward is charging $1,000 to political action committees co-hosting his event and $500 for co-hosting individuals. Other PACs are $500 and individuals $250.

The other seven GOP congressmen whose names appear on Ward's invitation are: Reps. Charles Boustany of Louisiana, Geoff Davis of Kentucky, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Duncan Hunter of California, Denny Rehberg of Montana, Tom Rooney of Florida and Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania.

Dan Popkey: 377-6438