After checking out the FEC reports on U.S. House candidates available on the Web, it’s fair to say that losing an election doesn’t just put you down in the dumps emotionally.  It also puts you in the poor house.  Unfortunately, it’s a bipartisan problem.  With that said, the worst offenders are Republicans.

Check out some of these losing candidates who broke the bank (as of Dec. 31, 2006):

1st District

Richard Dickinson (D)– Cash-on-Hand: $2,300; Debt: $45,909

William Dix (R)– CoH: $10,658; Debt: $125,000

Bill Gluba (D)– CoH: $348; Debt: $50,073

Brian Kennedy (R)– CoH: $1,729; Debt: $126,000

Mike Whalen (R)– CoH: $4,963; Debt: $448,950

3rd District

Jeff Lamberti (R)– CoH: $8,476; Debt: $150,000

4th District

Selden Spencer (D)– CoH: $2,248; Debt: $35,000

5th District

Jeffrey Ballenger (R)– CoH: $33; Debt: $350,000

Robert Chambers (D)– CoH: $25; Debt: $19,400

Roy Neilsen (I)– CoH: $1,036; Debt: $48,500

Joyce Schulte (D) – CoH: $137; Debt: $48,500

Of course, winning doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the black:

Steve King (R)– CoH: $29,332; Debt: $57,233

If you’re friends with any of these folks, expect to get a mailing or seven asking for a bailout.