Reichert, foe race to fill up campaign coffers

For the third straight filing period, political newcomer Darcy Burner raised more money than U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, continuing a boost that has lasted all year.

In July and August, Burner pulled in $312,000 to Reichert's $198,000. Reichert still has more campaign cash on hand and has raised more money overall because of fundraising he completed last year.

By contrast, 2006 has been Burner's year. She has raised about $1.2 million to Reichert's $1 million.

Burner, a Democrat from Carnation, is challenging Reichert, R-Auburn, in the 8th congressional district this fall.

Burner's campaign said the freshman congressman is struggling to raise money, despite high-profile visits recently from President Bush and House Speaker Dennis Hastert.

"We're really excited we're able to out-raise despite [Reichert] bringing out these heavy hitters," said Jaime Smith, a Burner campaign spokeswoman.

Reichert has more cash on hand — $1.1 million to Burner's $728,000 — and has raised $2.2 million overall, compared with Burner's $1.4 million.

His campaign "is pretty much where we want to be at this point" and has raised a little more money than planned, said Reichert spokeswoman Carol Beaudu.

Over the past two months, Burner has spent $354,000 — twice as much as Reichert. She's had a biographical ad on Seattle TV stations for the past few weeks and sent out two mailers, one biographical and one criticizing Reichert's record.

Reichert has spent $178,000, mostly on operating costs, including travel and staff salaries, Beaudu said. The campaign plans to air TV ads this fall.

Burner and other Democrats "are building a war chest for a negative campaign," Beaudu said. A Burner campaign mailer criticizing Reichert's campaign contributions from oil companies overstates the contributions, she said.

Smith said Burner is not running a negative campaign but will highlight differences between her views and Reichert's record.

Both campaigns say their finances are good. Reichert's overall fundraising is so solid that it "allows him to stay focused on his job and focused on this election," Beaudu said.

Burner, meanwhile, has enough momentum that she may be able to catch up to Reichert's lead in cash on hand and money raised overall, Smith said. "Darcy still has a lot of fruit left to pick," she said. "We're feeling extremely confident."

Ashley Bach: 206-464-2567 or abach@seattletimes.com