In May, Gregoire, Rossi raise a combined $1.5M

OLYMPIA — Gov. Christine Gregoire is leading Republican challenger Dino Rossi in money raised for their November rematch.

Gregoire supporters gave more than $785,000 in May. Rossi wasn't far behind, raising more than $701,000 during that same period.

With about five months until Election Day, Gregoire has raised a total of nearly $6.8 million compared with Rossi's $5.1 million. Gregoire has about $4.2 million on hand; Rossi, $3.4 million.

Gregoire had a more modest month in May than April, when she pulled in more than $1.3 million.

"The governor has enthusiastic support across the state," said campaign spokesman Aaron Toso. "It shows there's a lot at stake in this election, and that voters are happy with the results that Gov. Gregoire has delivered for Washington."

Gregoire won her 2004 race against Rossi by just 133 votes, after three vote tallies and a failed Republican court challenge.

Observers predict that Gregoire and Rossi could wage a $20 million campaign for the governor's mansion, and they're already more than halfway there: Combined, Gregoire and Rossi have collected nearly $12 million.

"We're extremely pleased with where we're at," said Rossi campaign spokeswoman Jill Strait. "People have shown tremendous support for Dino. Month after month, we've had consistently strong fundraising numbers."

Rossi's most recent fundraiser was on Saturday in Seattle with Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and potential vice-presidential contender. That event brought in about $40,000, Strait said.