Since ending his failed campaign for President in mid-August, Jay Inslee has spent over $110,000 to raise just $349,000 for his 2020 gubernatorial campaign.  Public Disclosure reports show he spent $12,000 to raise $45,000 in August and spent $98,000 to raise $304,000 in September.  Leading up to officially launching his presidential campaign, Governor Zero spent over $1.2 million (out of $1.4 million raised) of his campaign for governor’s bank account. Coming off the presidential campaign trail, Inslee needed to raise money quickly for his gubernatorial campaign was nearly broke. (Public Discloser reports)

Inslee’s latest fundraising email attempts to paint him as the “grassroots” candidate.  Forgetting his presidential PAC received a million-dollar donation from a rich environmental contributor and that he has always received multi-million dollar support from the deep war chests of government employee unions. (Inslee Campaign email and Seattle Times)

There is an increasing trend in the media to simply reprint press releases from environmental groups and not ask tough questions or seek alternative points of views.  This is dangerous for journalistic credibility and often has a negative impact on the environment. (Washington Policy Center)

Because cars are more fuel efficient the state is considering a pay-per-mile tax to fund road construction and maintenance.  Proponents of the new tax says they will be able to phase out the state’s high gas tax (49.4 cents a gallon) in ten years with the mileage tax.  The state transportation commission is currently considering options and will vote on December 17^th as to what they will recommend to the legislature. (The Olympian)

Snohomish County Executive has joined the Snohomish County Prosecutor to eliminate the “two ounce minimum” rule to prosecute those carrying heroin, meth or other drugs.  Executive Dave Somers supports Prosecutor Adam Cornell’s belief that repeat offenders need the threat of jail in order to seek treatment.  The problem for the county will be in finding the money necessary to pay for the additional prosecutors. (MyNorthwest)

With just 12 votes separating the candidates in the primary election, the race for Renton Mayor is expected to be very close.  The general election race is between local restaurant owner and city councilman Armando Pavorie and former legislator and Jay Inslee aide Marcie Maxwell. (Seattle Times)

Due to the serious housing crisis in Spokane, the Washington Realtors PAC is spending over half its statewide budget assisting candidates in Spokane.  The local Realtors Association convinced the state PAC to get involved in supporting candidates who believe in lifting restrictions and providing incentives to build more homes for Spokane’s growing population.  Thus far Realtors PAC has spent $280,000 of its $490,000 supporting four Spokane campaigns. (Inlander)

New funding is needed to improve the region’s irrigation system to ensure the water is well managed.  Much of the state’s irrigation system is approaching 75 years old and fails to efficiently move the water.  The Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act was introduced in Congress and if passed will provide $550 million to update and maintain irrigation systems in the western United States. (Washington AG News)

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