1st District's Inslee may not need war chest

By Alex Fryer
Seattle Times Washington bureau

Rep. Jay Inslee

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"I wish it were otherwise, but I don't believe in lying," said Chris Vance, chairman of the state Republican Party.

That leaves Inslee in a position to spend some of his campaign funds to help other Democrats across the country and raise his profile in the party.

Over the past year, Inslee transferred a total of $75,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which supports House candidates across the country, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. He gave the Washington State Democratic Party $11,000.

His campaign has written checks directly to congressional candidates in Kentucky, Texas, Pennsylvania and Utah.

"No one member of Congress can get things done around here unless they have the right people in office," Inslee said. "This is part of that effort. The 1st District needs allies."

Inslee's district includes north King County areas from Shoreline to Woodinville, much of Snohomish county south of Everett, and a big chunk of Kitsap County.

Just two years ago, political analysts considered the 1st District a toss-up between Democrats and Republicans. In 1994, incumbent Democrat Maria Cantwell was beaten by newcomer Republican Rick White. Four years later, Inslee reclaimed the seat for the Democrats, and he won 56 percent to 41 percent over state Rep. Joe Marine in 2002.

Diverting money to other candidates or party organizations is not unusual. Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Bremerton, for example, gave the DCCC about $100,000 this campaign cycle.

Lawmakers who raise campaign cash are often rewarded with plum committee assignments and other favors.

"It's strong support and much appreciated. He's certainly been a team player," said Greg Speed, a spokesman for the DCCC.
 
Inslee, who has long coveted a slot on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said the possibility of future payback does not play into his spending decisions.

"Stock in the caucus is not the reason for doing it. That's not the motivation," he said.

Candidates haven't been the only beneficiaries of Inslee's largesse.

While most politicians accept money from political action committees (PACs); Inslee turned the tables and gave the Sierra Club PAC $50.

His wife, Trudi, has been reimbursed $10,504, mostly for travel and campaign-related expenses, said Inslee's campaign manager, Chris McCullough.

Republican hopes for the 1st District, which includes parts of King, Snohomish and Kitsap counties, were dashed when King County Council member Jane Hague dropped out of the race in February.

Another Republican hopeful, Dr. Robert Stark, a retired heart surgeon in Redmond, had no money in his campaign account, according to financial reports filed March 31.

"Jane (Hague) was a tremendous candidate. I think the odds are long we will have another serious candidate," Vance said. "I don't think it's a safe seat. He (Inslee) just got really lucky."

Inslee said he is continuing to raise money and gear up for a tough re-election bid in November, noting the filing deadline is still two months away.

"I intend to be prepared," he said. "I will not let up one iota."

Alex Fryer: 206-464-8124 or afryer@seattletimes.com