Seattle progressives are in a collective panic after Jeff Bezos dropped an additional $1 million in campaign funds for the more business-friendly candidates. Amazon’s donation to the Civic Alliance for a Sound Economy (CASE), brings its total aggregate contributions to $1.45 million. (ShiftWA)

The final financial report of Jay Inslee’s failed presidential campaign reveals he has nearly $300,000 left over.  The Federal Election Commission report shows that the campaign raised a total of $6.9 million and spent $6.6 million — the campaign has $291,417.06 cash on hand.  Will Inslee reimburse Washington taxpayers with his extra money to pay for his campaign security? Or will he use the money to raise his personal status?  (Inslee Presidential Campaign’s FEC Report)

Washington state has the highest estate tax rate in the country.  In a new report from the Tax Foundation, Washington’s 20% tax on estates is currently the highest.  (Tax Foundation)

After complaining that there was no question on climate change during a the recent Democrat debate (thus proving his campaign had no impact on the national discussion), Jay Inslee revealed the real reason why he is running for re-election for Governor – he is doing it for his own personal status.  In a fundraising email Inslee states, “If I don’t win this re-election, I’ll lose that megaphone and my position as a national leader on climate.”  Jay Inslee does not want to be Governor to serve the interests and needs of Washington citizens.  He wants Washington taxpayers to pay him $183,000 a year (6^th highest of any U.S. Governor) so he can talk about climate change.  Apparently, no wealthy environmental group is willing to pay Governor Zero to do this. (Inslee Campaign email & Ballotpedia)

At the beginning of the month Representative Kim Schrier’s spokesperson proclaimed, “Right now, we’re not focused on politics or the next election.”  Obviously, her staff is attempting to portray Schrier as being above politics.  From the just released Federal Election Commission report it looks like the Congresswoman is waist deep in the political mire and very “focused on the next election.”  Her campaign has raised over $1.5 million with well over $300,000 coming from PACs and from other House Democrats.  (Seattle Times and Schrier FEC Report)

A group of over 100 West Seattle businesses have formed “Neighbors for Small Business” and they are looking to vote city councilwoman Lisa Herbold out of office.  A spokesman for the group said, “We just got to a point where we’ve realized that Lisa Herbold does not listen to us. She hasn’t really been engaged with us.”  The group is supporting former small business owner Phil Tavel for the 1^st district council seat. (MyNorthwest)

Vancouver City Manager is the highest paid municipal employee in the Portland/Vancouver area.  Eric Holmes receives nearly $250,000 a year according to the Portland Business Journal. (The Columbian)

In a televised debate of Spokane mayoral candidates, Ben Stuckart defended his support of government union employees.  Responding to attacks from his opponent Nadine Woodard that he is “bought and paid for by the unions,” Stuckart stated it was his priority to “take care of our employees.”  (KXLY)

Republic Police Chief and Republican candidate for Governor named “Police Chief of the Decade” by national law enforcement group.  Loren Culp was honored by the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association for saying he would not enforce the new gun restrictions that were passed in I-1639. (iFIBER One)

Do you like The Morning Briefing? Forward this to a friend! It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].

If you don’t want to receive this email each morning, click here to opt-out of The Morning Briefing.