August is for advertising

With the state's "top two" primary coming up in just over two weeks, August and advertising go together like checks and envelopes at a campaign kickoff party. In addition to all the ads that have gone up lately, here is a rundown of who else is buying time on the airwaves to spread their message.

Governor Chris Gregoire is up with two new spots in Eastern Washington, called "Understanding Spokane" and "Understanding Yakima".  The two ads are essentially the same, touting dry side roots and Eastern Washington-specific job growth as well as farm and water policies enacted under Gregoire, but differ when talking about where Gregoire spent time earlier in her life.

On the state legislative side Fred Finn (D-Shelton) paid $20,000 of his own money for this ad, which highlights his commitment to the community, to air on Comcast and Wave cable television systems. Finn is involved in a four-way race to replace retiring Rep. William Eickmeyer (D-Belfair) in the 35th Legislative District along with  Bremerton Democrat Daryl Daugs and Republicans Herb Baze (R-Shelton) and Randy Neatherlin (R-Belfair).

Meanwhile State Rep. Jim McIntire, who is stepping down from his legislative post in the 46th to run for state treasurer, has paid $45,000 to run a spot on eighteen radio stations across the state.

Also on the advertising front, Dino Rossi's campaign is pushing back against two new ads that were launched late last week by Evergreen Progress, the union-backed interest group that has been trying to educate voters about Dino Rossi or, from Rossi's point of view, distorting his positions.

"The incumbent is getting more desperate and so are the ads against Dino," said Jill Strait, Rossi spokesperson. "They want to trick voters into believing that Dino Rossi is an extremist, but his record shows otherwise. The truth is that he voted to help support domestic abuse victims, and supports access to contraceptives." 

The campaign further explained Rossi's past votes and present positions in a press release found here.

Finally, speaking of third party spending, those infamous Building Industry Association of Washington signs aren't totally in Eastern Washington. This sign sits prominently on Main Street in Vancouver near the BIAW's offices.

BIAW in Vancouver: Politicker photo