Politico: 3rd CD race among five ‘that could break the bank’

The race between longtime incumbent U.S. Reps. Leonard Boswell and Tom Latham in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District is among five “that could break the bank,” Politico says.

Reporter Dan Hirschhorn writes that the race between Boswell (D-Des Moines) and Latham (R-Ames) could be one of the most expensive in 2012.

“In one of the most closely watched member vs. member races, Latham and Boswell both need to have loads of cash at the ready. Advertising rates in Iowa will go sky-high late next year because of the competitive presidential race.

Both are strong campaigners and fundraisers. Latham, in particular, can count on backup from his colleagues — he’s a top Appropriations Committee member and close ally of House Speaker John Boehner.

And he’s already filling up the coffers. He raised $337,000 in the third quarter and has $1.7 million in the bank.

Boswell had a weaker quarter, raising $142,000 and finishing with about $376,000 on hand.”