April 15, 2010

ARLINGTON, WA - Snohomish County Council member John Koster, the top Republican challenger to Democrat Rep. Rick Larsen, announced a successful first fundraising quarter today. After officially entering the race in January, Koster has raised over $168,000 from nearly 1,700 donors and finished the quarter with about $100,000 cash on hand. 

"The momentum and support we've felt across the 2nd Congressional District is proof positive that people are anxious for a change in leadership in Washington, D.C.," said Koster. "Rick Larsen has clearly forgotten that he's supposed to represent the folks back home rather than his party leaders. During these times of unprecedented spending, record debt, and massive deficits, we need a leader who understands that taxpayer money is to be protected by Congress, not wasted on partisan spending sprees. Our strong fundraising - combined with a grassroots effort that has already spread throughout the district - has put us in excellent shape for November. We'll be working hard nonstop until Election Day to let voters know that there's only one clear choice for responsible, conservative leadership for Northwest Washington."

John Koster was elected to the Snohomish County Council in 2001 and served as its chairman in 2004. Prior to that, he was elected to three terms in the Washington State House of Representatives. Born and raised in Arlington, Washington, John owned and operated a dairy farm in North Snohomish County for 23 years. He is a graduate of Arlington High School and Everett Community College.