Outside spending trickles down to key legislative races

Almost $22 million was spent by independent parties on behalf of candidates in this year’s election, about ten percent of which was done at the legislative district level.

Leading the charge were three of the Republicans top challengers. Outside interests spent $172,548 on Kevin Parker’s (R-Spokane) behalf in the 6th District and $147,143 on Jan Angel (R-Port Orchard) in the 26th. Both won their races to become the first Republicans in years to take back a Democratic seat.

Third parties also spent more than $130,000 Toby Nixon (R-Kirkland) in the 45th LD. Many Republicans, and privately some Democrats, felt that Nixon would win his race, but he was turned back by incumbent Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland).

Erica Barnett at The Stranger first reported on these and other state races, and goes into some of the contributors, here.

Rep. Don Barlow (D-Spokane) and Kim Abel (D-Port Orchard), who lost to Parker and Angel, also had $60,000 used against them in addition to the sums that were spent on their supporters. On the other side of the coin, Angel had $34,000 spent against her, and no third party money was spent to tear down Kevin Parker.

The 44th LD race between Rep. Liz Loomis (D-Snohomish) and Mike Hope (R-Everett) also saw its fair share of outside spending. More than $52,000 was spent against each of the candidates, while both received more than $25,000 apiece on their behalf. Hope currently leads, but a recount is nearly certain after all the ballots are counted.

The state senate had its share of big money races, too. Outside groups spent more than $125,000 apiece against Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen (D-Puyallup), who lost her race for re-election, and Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D-Camano Island), who won in spite of it. Third parties also spent heavily against Sen. Don Benton (R-Vancouver) and Sen. Mike Carrell (R-Lakewood) in the 17th and 25th Districts, respectively, but they both held off their challengers.