Sunlight is the best disinfectant

But bleach works too. Here's a quick, chemically stripped update on the status of political transparency in Washington state.

Billboards – the BIAW admits to encouraging Eastern Washington to steal this election.

Budget – state financial agencies project a deficit, but the news is neither as good nor as bad as either gubernatorial candidate claims.

Campaign finance - I-1000 supporters win a court order requiring foes to disclose their donors.

Copyright - the legal restrictions on using songs apply even to political speech, and to political party videos.

Political parties - candidates continue to confuse voters by picking their own, and voters are left to remember that GOP means R.

Polls – Both Gregoire and Rossi are up in the polls, according to their respective campaigns.

Taxes – Gregoire released her personal taxes, Rossi refuses. Both argue that the other will raise yours, both vow not to do so.

Town Halls – Rossi staffers are videotaped refusing to allow the public into “public” town halls.

The sun's still shining in July, but you may need to carry your own disinfectant come November. When confronted with a political advertisement, candidate, sign or staffer, be sure to disinfect, sterilize, sanitize or otherwise do something to cut through the crap.