Lynnwood mayor using own money to survive primary

If incumbent Lynnwood Mayor Don Gough survives the Aug. 6, primary election, as results reported Friday afternoon indicate that he will, it may be due to a big personal contribution to his own campaign.

Results from the primary updated Friday, showed that Gough had widened his hold on second place in the primary with 25.95 percent of the vote to 23.39 percent for City Councilman Mark Smith. Political newcomer Nicola Smith continued to lead with 27.97 percent. Councilman Loren Simmonds trailed with 21.17 percent.

Gough has reported raising $16,927 and spending $11,340, figures that include a $10,037 personal contribution and a $6,890 in-kind contribution. Primary leader Nicola Smith reports raising $12,132 and spending $10,836; she also has a supporting independent expenditure of $535. Mark Smith reports raising $ 9,089 and spending $10,836 with a campaign debt of $1,630. Simmonds reports raising $ 9,240 and spending $4,688.

Gough also outspent three primary opponents before he won his first term eight years ago and before he won his second term four years ago. In 2005, he led the primary with 30.92 percent of the vote and went on to defeat then-incumbent Mayor Mike McKinnon in the general election with 59.89 percent. In 2009, he led the primary with 37.07 percent and defeated then-Councilman Jim Smith in the general election with 53.80 percent.

Voter turnout in Lynnwood through Thursday morning was reported at 24.50 percent, compared to the Snohomish County average of 21.86 percent.

With most returns now in, Snohomish County elections officials won’t release updated results until this Friday. Final certification of results is scheduled for Aug. 20.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.