Inslee raises nearly $574K in May; McKenna $1.2M
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Inslee reported Monday that he raised nearly $574,000 in cash contributions for the month of May, about half of what his Republican opponent, Attorney General Rob McKenna, raised during that month.
In filings with the state Public Disclosure Commission, Inslee tallied $573,763 in cash, plus more than $43,000 in in-kind contributions like catering and yard signs. Inslee, a former congressman, had $3.4 million cash on hand entering the month of June.
On Friday, McKenna reported that he raised nearly $1.2 million in cash, plus $23,000 in in-kind contributions, and that he had $3.2 million cash on hand.
May was the first full month McKenna was able to fundraise after spending much of the previous few months in a freeze.
McKenna spokesman Charles McCray said that the May numbers show that the campaign has gained momentum.
"We're incredibly pleased and grateful for the support," he said.
Sitting state officials face strict rules about collecting donations while the Legislature is in session, so McKenna had largely been prevented from fundraising from November until the Legislature adjourned a second special session in mid-April. Inslee was able to fundraise during that entire time because during that time held federal office and did not have to abide by the freeze.
"We weren't in any way surprised by his numbers this month and we aren't worried about it," said Inslee spokeswoman Jaime Smith. "We're fully confident that by November we'll have all the resources we need to win the race."
Inslee and McKenna are vying to replace Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is not running for a third term.
McKenna was endorsed Monday by the Public School Employees of Washington, a state union representing public school employees. The state's largest teacher union, the Washington Education Association, has endorsed Inslee.
Earlier in the day, McKenna held a news conference announcing the support of some conservative Democrats, including state Auditor Brian Sonntag and state Sen. Tim Sheldon.
In filings with the state Public Disclosure Commission, Inslee tallied $573,763 in cash, plus more than $43,000 in in-kind contributions like catering and yard signs. Inslee, a former congressman, had $3.4 million cash on hand entering the month of June.
On Friday, McKenna reported that he raised nearly $1.2 million in cash, plus $23,000 in in-kind contributions, and that he had $3.2 million cash on hand.
May was the first full month McKenna was able to fundraise after spending much of the previous few months in a freeze.
McKenna spokesman Charles McCray said that the May numbers show that the campaign has gained momentum.
"We're incredibly pleased and grateful for the support," he said.
Sitting state officials face strict rules about collecting donations while the Legislature is in session, so McKenna had largely been prevented from fundraising from November until the Legislature adjourned a second special session in mid-April. Inslee was able to fundraise during that entire time because during that time held federal office and did not have to abide by the freeze.
"We weren't in any way surprised by his numbers this month and we aren't worried about it," said Inslee spokeswoman Jaime Smith. "We're fully confident that by November we'll have all the resources we need to win the race."
Inslee and McKenna are vying to replace Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is not running for a third term.
McKenna was endorsed Monday by the Public School Employees of Washington, a state union representing public school employees. The state's largest teacher union, the Washington Education Association, has endorsed Inslee.
Earlier in the day, McKenna held a news conference announcing the support of some conservative Democrats, including state Auditor Brian Sonntag and state Sen. Tim Sheldon.
