Hague pumps own cash into bruising race

King County Councilmember Jane Hague has responded to a spate of negative publicity about her by contributing $35,000 and lending $4,000 to her re-election campaign.

That money, combined with big contributions from two other sources this month, gives Hague more than a $91,000 boost in the final month of her campaign to defeat Democratic challenger Richard Pope.

Hague reported her personal contributions and a gift of $25,000 left over from her 2005 council campaign to the state Public Disclosure Commission on Monday.

The county Republican Party earlier reported two mailings and a Web site attacking Pope as in-kind contributions that cost $27,134. The GOP Web site is www.thetruthonpope.com.

"It's the first time since 1993 that Jane's had an opponent, and while I don't consider him a credible one, nevertheless there's another name on the ballot. We want to make sure we're spending our time talking about Jane's commitment to the Eastside," said campaign consultant Brett Bader.

Bader said the campaign has sent out nine or 10 mailings and broadcast a cable-TV ad about Hague and her record as a County Council member.

"We're not done; there's still more to do," he said.

Pope, a Bellevue attorney and perennial candidate, has switched parties three times over the past decade.

Hague had been expected to coast to a fifth term on the Metropolitan King County Council. But word got out in August that she had been arrested and charged with driving under the influence. She has pleaded not guilty.

She later acknowledged submitting a 1986 résumé that falsely claimed she was a college graduate.

Cathy Allen, a Democratic political consultant, said Hague's spending suggests the campaign is worried Pope poses a threat.

"You don't usually see this kind of money added at this late date unless there's a danger," Allen said. "The problem is that her own deeds and missteps have put her in a bad limelight, taking all of the scrutiny away from Richard Pope."

King County Republican Chairman Michael Young said Hague needed more money to tell voters about her record to counteract the effect of negative news stories.

"When you're faced with that kind of one-sided reporting over a month or more, I'm surprised Jane hasn't spent more defining her record."

Hague had been expected to put her own money into the race, particularly after her campaign reported a $50,000 contribution by Hague and her husband, Ed Springman, on Sept. 24. The campaign quickly said no contribution was made and the report was submitted by mistake.

Hague has raised more than $310,000 for her campaign.

Pope has reported $8,956 in contributions, mostly loans he has made to the campaign.

Keith Ervin: 206-464-2105 or kervin@seattletimes.com