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posted July 24, 2009
cartoon by George Jartos
Campaign Spending Up in WA, Despite Recession
from FollowTheMoney.org
• State campaigns in Washington
cost about $80 million in 2008, up roughly $2 million from the comparable
2004 campaigns.
• The 2008 governor’s race, however,
attracted $9.5 million more than the same race in 2004. Gov. Christine
Gregoire and her Republican challenger, Rossi, together raise $23.4
million in 2008, with each raising over $11 million. In 2004, by comparison,
Rossi and Gregoire, vying for the open seat, each raised over $6 million.
• Ballot measure campaigns, however,
attracted significantly less money in 2008. Three measures garnered
$9.6 million in 2008, while $17.4 million was raised around 5 measures
in 2004.
• Three Supreme Court races in 2008
cost just over $400,000 in 2008, significantly less than the $1.4 million
raised in 2004. 14 candidates vied for three seats in 2004, raising
an average of $97, 250 while in 2008, six vied for three seats in 2008,
raising an average of $69,183.
• Senate candidates raised an average
of $117,600, just slightly higher than the $114,500 raised on average
in 2004. House races cost more, however the average House candidate
raised $70,453 in 2008, compared to $53,680 in 2004.
• Fundraising by party committees remained
consistent. The six committees (3 Democrats and 3 Republicans)
raised over $17 million during each of the two elections, with the Democratic
committees raising just over $12 million in both 2004 and 2008, and
the Republicans just over $5 million.
State legislatures are in full swing, and the nonpartisan, nonprofit FollowTheMoney.org helps you stay informed about officials who make decisions that affect your life. Our campaign finance data for the state of Washington is essentially complete. This data helps you understand which industries, companies and individuals are working to influence your lawmakers. Check out who contributed to your elected officials at FollowTheMoney.org.