Herrera Beutler’s campaign kickoff brings in $50,000

U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s campaign kickoff for re-election, which featured House Speaker John Boehner as a guest speaker, brought in about $50,000, Herrera Beutler’s spokesman reported on Wednesday morning.

When I wrote the story about the Camas Republican’s fundraiser, which took place on Friday, her office did not yet have that number available.

Herrera Beutler’s event drew more than 300 attendees, as well as the attention from an estimated 70 MoveOn.org and Occupy Vancouver demonstrators.

Those participating in Herrera Beutler’s campaign kickoff could attend a photo reception with Boehner for $1,000 each, and they could pay $50 to attend a luncheon. The Columbian was barred from reporting from inside the event because Boehner, R-Ohio, has a policy that fundraising events be closed to the press.

The lunch, which took place inside the ballroom of the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, included pasta, cheesecake and coffee, one person in attendance said.

As of March 31, when the latest campaign finance reports were due to the Federal Election Commission, Herrera Beutler had raised more than $1 million. The next report comes out July 15 and includes money raised through June 30.

Stevie Mathieu: 360-735-4523 or stevie.mathieu@columbian.com or www.facebook.com/reportermathieu or www.twitter.com/col_politics