Money raised in 10th District races tops $1 million

It may be a financial first: Candidates in the 10th District have raised a combined total in campaign cash for the 2008 election that tops $1 million.

According to campaign finance reports on file with the Public Disclosure Commission, donations to candidates running for the state Senate and House of Representatives in the 10th Legislative District totaled $1,021,114 on Thursday.

The amount of money for the 2008 election far surpasses the amount raised for 10th District candidates in past election cycles.

In 2006, a total of $290,049 was contributed to 10th District candidates; in 2004, the total was $653,192.

In 2002, a total of $378,134 was raised, according to finance records on file with the state. In 2000, 10th District candidates raised $870,631.

Democrats continue to lead in campaign contributions in this year's election.

Democratic Party candidates in the 10th District have raised $554,096. So far, $493,581 has been spent on the campaigns.

Republican candidates have raised $466,410 and have spent $319,514.

Incumbent Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen continues to pace the pack in campaign contributions for all 10th District candidates. The Camano Island Democrat has raised $246,243 so far, while her opponent, Oak Harbor Republican Linda Haddon, has raised $175,149.

In the state House of Representative races in the 10th District, Democrat Tim Knue has raised the most money through Thursday. His campaign reports contributions of $177,295. Knue is trying to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Norma Smith for the Position 2 seat, and Smith's campaign has raised $156,051.

In the race for Position 1 in the House, incumbent Republican Rep. Barbara Bailey has raised $135,209. Challenger Patricia Terry, a Camano Island Democrat, has raised $101,102.

The 10th District includes all of Island County and parts of Skagit and Snohomish counties.

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