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Washington Governor Way Ahead of Challenger in Fundraising

Gov. Jay Inslee enters the final months of his re-election bid with a campaign-cash pile dwarfing that of GOP challenger Bill Bryant.

By Jim Brunner

Gov. Jay Inslee enters the final months of his re-election bid with a campaign-cash pile dwarfing that of GOP challenger Bill Bryant.

Inslee reported $3.6 million cash on hand in his campaign fund through August, compared with Bryant's $217,000 -- a 16-fold advantage -- according to reports filed Monday with the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Bryant's cash deficit is likely to hamper his efforts to become the first Republican elected governor of Washington in more than three decades.

For the election cycle, Inslee has raised $8.2 million to Bryant's $2.9 million.

The state Democratic Party has sent more than $1.6 million to Inslee's campaign. Other major donors include unions, tribes, attorneys, tech workers and environmental advocates, according to data from the National Institute on Money in State Politics.

Bryant has received more than $500,000 from the state Republican Party, and support from agriculture, real estate and other businesses. He also has donated or loaned more than $50,000 to his own campaign.

(c)2016 The Seattle Times

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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