The four Democratic candidates in the primary for the U.S. House of Representatives' 3rd Congressional District combined to raise more than $276,465 for the first quarter of the year.

Republican U.S. Rep. Phil English, however, still raked in more than the collective war chests of his potential rivals over the same period, according to the candidates' recently filed campaign expense reports.

English, who is unopposed in the April 22 primary, amassed $284,116 during the first three months of 2008. He spent about $131,390 over that same period, and began the second quarter with $690,045 in the bank.

The Democratic foursome, waging a competitive race for their party's nomination, have a total cash-on-hand balance of $194,122.

The 3rd District includes most of Butler County, as well as all of Erie County and parts of Armstrong, Crawford, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties.

Congressional candidates were required by last Thursday's deadline to file their reports with theFederal Election Commission. The campaign balance sheets are for the period of Jan. 1 to April 2.

Tom Myers of Millcreek Township, Erie County led the Democrats with $101,815 raised in the first quarter. But that total includes a $30,000 personal loan he made to his committee.

Myers' campaign spent $13,486 during the past three months and began the second quarter with $38,697 in its coffers

Second among Democrats in the most recent fundraising report was Kyle Foust of Harborcreek Township, Erie County, who collected $61,190 in contributions.

His papers showed quarterly expenses of $43,440, and his cash on hand at the end of the reporting period was $42,971.

Kathy Dahlkemper of Erie was third in the campaign money chase for the first three months, with $58,008 in receipts.

Dahlkemper's committee spent $100,849 since the start of the year — well more than any of her primary rivals. She had $73,555 in the bank to start the second quarter.

Mike Waltner of Erie showed $55,452 in receipts during the latest reporting period. His campaign spent $82,185, leaving him with $38,897 in the bank.

For the entire election cycle, dating back last year through April 2, the fundraising totals are as follows: Myers, $238,301; Dahlkemper, $212,223 (which includes a $60,000 personal loan to her committee); Waltner, $155,639; and Foust, $116,049.

English, meanwhile, has collected more than $1.16 million for his re-election since 2007.