Cantwell big bucks break record

By JOHN HUGHES

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Democratic Senate candidate Maria Cantwell shattered the Washington state record for campaign spending more than a month before the November election, she disclosed in campaign records Friday.

Cantwell spent $1.9 million in September, bringing the total spending in her effort to defeat incumbent Republican Sen. Slade Gorton to more than $6.1 million. That tops the previous record of $5.6 million spent by Democratic Sen. Patty Murray for her 1998 race.

Most of Cantwell’s campaign money comes from the wealth she gained as a senior vice president at RealNetworks Inc. Cantwell gave her campaign $2.3 million last month.

In all, 89 percent of Cantwell’s campaign cash — $6 million of the more than $6.7 million she has raised — has come from her own wallet.

Gorton’s campaign spending report for September was not available Friday. His campaign said he would release it today, the day the report is required to be postmarked to the Federal Election Commission.

Ellis Conklin, Cantwell’s campaign spokesman, said Cantwell will spend about $8 million for the campaign, with about $7 million of that coming from the candidate.

Conklin said Gorton will outspend Cantwell, probably by about $4 million, when independent expenditures by interest groups and unregulated contributions from political parties are factored in.

Gorton’s spokeswoman, Cynthia Bergman, said she didn’t know how much the Gorton campaign will spend but said that Cantwell will spend more, especially when outside expenditures are factored into her campaign’s total.

"It’s clear that Maria Cantwell is just attempting to buy the election, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she spent another $5 million despite what they say," Bergman said.

The $1.9 million Cantwell spent last month went mostly for TV commercials blanketing the state. She closed September with about $603,000 in cash and $156,000 in debts, according to her report.

Cantwell has not accepted contributions from political action committees or political parties, according to her FEC report.

The only money that didn’t come from her own bank account this year was about $735,000 in individual contributions.

Conklin defended Cantwell’s use of her own money for the campaign.

"For some reason the media seems to focus its complete attention on Maria Cantwell’s wealth," Conklin said. "She’s not using PAC money, she’s flying solo. She’s not using soft money, she’s working without a net. Washington state voters are going to respect that she won’t be beholden to any special interest group once elected."

Copyright ©2000 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)
Lake Stevens sewer district trial delayed until April

The dispute began in 2021 and centers around when the city can take over the district.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.