Campaign Financing | Patty Murray tops contributions list in Washington

U.S. Senator Patty Murray tops the list of campaign fundraisers from Washington heading into the primary, which is less than a month away on Aug. 17. The three-term Democratic incumbent is far and away the number one money getter in the state this year, drawing $11 million in donations toward her bid for re-election. Murray spent $4.2 million before July – more than top opponents Dino Rossi and Clint Didier could even raise by then. Rossi, a Republican known for two unsuccessful gubernatorial bids, reported $1.4 million in donations as of June 30. Murray's figures dwarf that amount, but Rossi only announced his candidacy in May. He is on pace to bring in around $6 million before the general election in November, but that's still less than the $6.8 million Murray currently has on hand. GOP hopeful Clint Didier has raised $570,000 since entering the race. His figures surged following endorsements from Tea Party darlings Sarah Palin and Ron Paul. Murray may need all the money she can get to protect her seat. A Rasumssen Reports poll released July 16 shows the incumbent senator trailing 48 percent to 45 percent among likely voters, regardless of whether she takes on Rossi or Didier. Rossi and Murray were virtually tied in another Rasmussen poll the previous month. That means Rossi is getting more bang for his buck, having spent only $65,000 in June. Challengers across the country are benefitting from voter backlash over a stagnant economy, growing budget deficits, and high unemployment numbers, all of which have persisted since Democrats swept the 2008 election. It appears some candidates may be trying to ride that wave for free. Republican Philip Wilson, challenging State Representative Deb Eddy, raised no money as of late June. Meanwhile, Eddy had collected $88,000. Similarly, State Representative Judy Clibborn raised $72,000, while her opponents, Republican Stephen Strader and independent candidate Orion Webster, brought in $204 and $0 respectively. Among the candidates for state legislature, Republican Gregg Bennett is the top fundraiser, netting $282,000 in contributions as of late June. His opponent, Sen. Rodney Tom, reported donations of $95,000, although he had a later start due to restrictions on fundraising during legislative sessions.

By Joshua Adam Hicks • July 21, 2010 10:15 pm
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray

U.S. Senator Patty Murray tops the list of campaign fundraisers from Washington heading into the primary, which is less than a month away on Aug. 17.

The three-term Democratic incumbent is far and away the number one money getter in the state this year, drawing $11 million in donations toward her bid for re-election.

Murray spent $4.2 million before July – more than top opponents Dino Rossi and Clint Didier could even raise by then.

Rossi, a Republican known for two unsuccessful gubernatorial bids, reported $1.4 million in donations as of June 30.

Murray’s figures dwarf that amount, but Rossi only announced his candidacy in May. He is on pace to bring in around $6 million before the general election in November, but that’s still less than the $6.8 million Murray currently has on hand.

GOP hopeful Clint Didier has raised $570,000 since entering the race. His figures surged following endorsements from Tea Party darlings Sarah Palin and Ron Paul.

Murray may need all the money she can get to protect her seat. A Rasumssen Reports poll released July 16 shows the incumbent senator trailing 48 percent to 45 percent among likely voters, regardless of whether she takes on Rossi or Didier.

Rossi and Murray were virtually tied in another Rasmussen poll the previous month. That means Rossi is getting more bang for his buck, having spent only $65,000 in June.

Challengers across the country are benefitting from voter backlash over a stagnant economy, growing budget deficits, and high unemployment numbers, all of which have persisted since Democrats swept the 2008 election.

It appears some candidates may be trying to ride that wave for free.

Republican Philip Wilson, challenging State Representative Deb Eddy, raised no money as of late June. Meanwhile, Eddy had collected $88,000.

Similarly, State Representative Judy Clibborn raised $72,000, while her opponents, Republican Stephen Strader and independent candidate Orion Webster, brought in $204 and $0 respectively.

Among the candidates for state legislature, Republican Gregg Bennett is the top fundraiser, netting $282,000 in contributions as of late June. His opponent, Sen. Rodney Tom, reported donations of $95,000, although he had a later start due to restrictions on fundraising during legislative sessions.

The following list provides fundraising totals for the remaining federal and state candidates who will appear on the ballots of Bellevue residents.

8th Congressional District

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, Republican: $1.7 million

Suzan DelBene, Democrat: $1.6 million

41st Legislative District

State Senator

Sen. Randy Gordon, Democrat: $76,000

Steve Litzow, Republican: $67,000

State Representative, Pos. 1

Rep. Marcie Maxwell, Democrat:$71,283

Peter Dunbar, Republican: $69,000

48th Legislative District

State Representative, Pos. 1

Rep. Ross Hunter, Democrat: $51,000

Diane Tebelius, Republican: $55,000