Fred Finn

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.

TCH's Chris Mulick has compiled a list of some of the state's notable fundraisers for March over on his Olympia Dispatch blog.

Rep. Steve Kirby (D-Tacoma) stood out among sitting legislators, bringing in $11,660 between March 14 and March 31. It is also worth noting that Kirby's seat is currently uncontested.  read more »