OLYMPIA — State senators Mary Margaret Haugen of Camano Island and Val Stevens of Arlington share little in their political philosophy but have two things in common as they seek re-election.
Both veteran lawmakers are targeted for defeat by the opposing political party and, thus far, are leading their challengers in fundraising.
Haugen, a Democrat, had $40,881 available at the beginning of April, nearly double the $20,469 total of her Republican opponent, Linda Haddon of Oak Harbor. Independent Sarah Hart raised $250.
The figures are the amount of cash on hand as of March 31 in reports each filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission.
Haugen’s money came from solicitations last year, as she collected no contributions in March. State law prevented her from fundraising until after the Legislature adjourned. She said she hasn’t kicked her campaign into gear yet.
Still, she said, “This is the most we’ve ever had at this point.”
Haddon, who garnered $6,895 in March, said she’s feeling “very good” at this stage. She said the Senate Republican Campaign Committee is providing advice and counsel now and likely money later.
“This race is their top priority,” she said.
Haddon and Haugen each think the total cost of the race could eclipse $200,000, which is what Haugen spent in 2004.
“I won’t be surprised to see it at $250,000 or even $300,000,” Haddon said.
Haugen didn’t guess. “We’re going to spend whatever it takes to win,” she said.
Stevens, a Republican, enjoys a wide margin over her Democratic foe, Fred Walser of Monroe. Like Haugen, the bulk of her campaign funds came in before the legislative session.
Stevens collected $2,410 in March giving her $38,062 in available money at the end of March. Stevens is starting to ratchet up her campaign and has put up some signs along U.S. 2 and I-5.
Walser took in $8,208 last month and had $6,710 after expenses.
The amount has since risen, he said Friday.
“I’ve been on the phone today and every day, dialing for dollars as they call it,” he said.
Walser said he’s getting help from the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee and been told it may take up to $250,000 to unseat Stevens.
“I’ll do what I can do,” he said.
Incumbent legislators in other parts of Snohomish and Island counties enjoy an edge over their opponents in fundraising with one exception.
Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, ended March with no money, well behind her Democratic opponent Tim Knue of Mount Vernon.
Smith was appointed to succeed former Rep. Chris Strow just before the start of the 2008 session and did not set up a campaign committee until after the Legislature adjourned March 13.
Knue entered the race last year. He raised $6,391 in March to push his overall total to $25,752. Subtracting expenses, he had $17,736 available March 31.
In other races where incumbents face declared challengers:
Rep. Liz Loomis, D-Snohomish, has raised $27,787 compared with Snohomish Republican Mike Hope’s total of $3,098;
Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor has collected $40,775 against the challenge of two Democrats, Patricia Terry of Camano Island, with a total of $27,817, and Ann McDonald of Greenbank, with a sum of $12,771;
Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, had $27,728 in contributions and Democrat Scott Olsen of Monroe reported $5,466.
For details on these and other campaigns, go to www.pdc.wa.gov.
Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfieldheraldnet.com.
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