Rivers maintains fund-raising lead in 18th; Stonier holds edge in 17th

Candidates for all legislative seats will appear on Washington’s August 17 top two primary, but only in the open 17th and 18th district seats, where three or more candidates filed, will the primary actually eliminate candidates and narrow the field.

Fund-raising isn’t everything in legislative races, but it is an indication of momentum and support. So here’s the latest, from the Washington Public Disclosure website (www.pdc.wa.gov):</p>

As of Friday, Republican Ann Rivers, a La Center political consultant, continued to widen her fundraising lead in the 18th, with $44,679 in total contributions. Democrat Dennis Kampe, longtime director of the Clark County Skills Center, was second, with $18,830. Three other Republicans trailed far behind: Jon Russell, with $9,025; Brandon Vick, with $7,300, and Anthony Bittner, with $4,572. Independent candidate Rich Carson, who vowed to accept no special interest money, had raised $447.50. Jon Haugen, who listed no party affiliation, reported no funds raised.

In the open 17th District race, Democrat Monica Stonier, a middle school teacher, reported $25,091 raised, to $19,875 for Republican businessman Paul Harris. The third candidate, Democrat Martin Hash, is self-funding his campaign. He reported zero contributions and told The Columbian he planned to spend no more than $5,000.

Kathie Durbin