Nels made the front page of today’s Lafayette Journal and Courier with a great story about his campaign efforts. Check it out!

Steve Buyer is the first to admit that having a cash advantage is one of the most important elements in a campaign.

But according to first quarter financial filings on www.opensecrets.org, the challenger to the eight-term U.S. congressman representing Indiana’s 4th District is raising money faster.

Through April 16, Buyer had raised $301,129 — compared to $308,602 raised by Democrat Nels Ackerson, a lawyer who hails from Boone County.

“I’ll still be able to maintain a three-to-one cash advantage to him” in the total election cycle, Buyer said.

But Ackerson, who campaigned Thursday in Lafayette, continues raising funds and putting in long days on the campaign trail. He plans to defeat Buyer in November.

“I don’t underestimate the challenge,” Ackerson said, referring to Buyer’s years in office.

“But (the race) is not just about incumbency but being well-known. I’ve been working hard for a year and I have a lot more to do.”

After speaking at a Rotary meeting Thursday morning, Ackerson visited a downtown coffee shop to shake hands and pass out campaign literature. He’s canvassing the district to talk about issues and build name recognition.

Ackerson hopes to capitalize on a growing attitude he says voters have to reform government and eliminate partisanship. He’s counting on support from the “independent-thinking” residents in the 4th District — which includes Tippecanoe County and spans a section of west-central Indiana.