Heck raises $311,120 as redistricting, challenger await

Without a declared opponent yet or knowing what his congressional district will look like next year, Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., collected $311,120 in political funds over the past three months.

Senior House Republicans gave Heck a boost to rebuild his campaign account, with House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio donating $14,000 and Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia giving $10,000. Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of California gave $5,000.

Republican committee chairmen who were enlisted to contribute included Education and Workforce chairman John Kline of Minnesota ($5,000); Ways and Means chairman Dave Camp of Michigan ($5,000); Armed Service chairman Buck McKeon ($2,000); Budget chairman Paul Ryan ($5,000); Energy and Commerce chairman Fred Upton ($2,000).

Heck last month was enrolled in the "Patriot" program run by the National Republican Congressional Committee to steer donations and campaign advice to lawmakers considered to be vulnerable. Candidates must meet specific benchmarks to remain eligible, GOP officials say.

"Obviously he is in a competitive seat but at the same time he has shown he can run a very competitive race while sticking to his campaign pledges of 2010," said Tyler Houlton, an NRCC spokesman.

All told, Heck raised $138,770 from individuals and $165,000 from political action committees from April 1 through the end of June, according to a campaign finance report he filed today with the Federal Election Commission.

Heck reported $414,408 in his campaign account as of June 30, 16 months ahead of the November 2012 elections. His strategy for re-election has been up in the air as it remains to be seen how the 3rd Congressional District will emerge from redistricting.