Newhouse collects more than opponents

OTHELLO — Despite being censured by 4th Congressional District Republicans, incumbent Dan Newhouse has more money in his campaign accounts than the challengers seeking to unseat him.

Newhouse, whose district still includes the western portion of Adams County, is the last Republican who voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump remaining in congress.

As of Monday, the Sunnyside man running as “prefers Republican,” had collected $1,522,916.36 in his campaign fund.

Challenger Tiffany Smiley, a Pasco Republican, reported $719,671.37 during this election cycle. And Richland Republican Jerrod Sessler reported $399,928.05.

As of Monday, Newhouse had reported spending $965,951.74, leaving him with an estimated cash on hand of $642,070, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Meanwhile, records show Smiley reported spending $500,393.20 and Sessler spending $170,342.02.

Much of Smiley’s campaign funds have come from the political action committee WinRed, a Virginia based Republican Party funding organization. She’s also received several donations in excess of $1,000 from Lewis Stahl of Florida, David Redder of Washington state, Gary and Jennifer Powell of Washington state, Gary and Jillyn Peters of Idaho, Nayan Patel of Virginia and others.

As of press times, she had $241,268.12 cash on hand in her account, Federal Elections Commission records show.

Newhouse, too, is getting a lot of his campaign finance funds from out-of state donors, with WinRed also contributing tens of thousands of dollars to his account.

Other big-dollar contributors to his account include Jeff Bjornstad of Arizona, Robert Morrow of Washington, Charles Schwab of Florida, William Duhamel of California, Michael Gearon of Georgia, Frank and Belinda VanderSloot of Idaho, Lawrence and Mary Ellen Hughes of Washington, Peter Brehm of Washington and Elizabeth Stern of New York.

Newhouse is also receiving thousands of dollars from multiple American Indian tribes, including the Suquamish, Mickleshoot and Nisqually.

Endorsed by state Republicans, Sessler reportedly has $241,268.12 cash on hand.

His financial support is bolstered by big donations from Winred, as well.

He also has contributions of $1,000 or more from Washingtonians Michael A. Corrales and James E. Klaustermyer, as well as Dina Dwyerowens and Michael Harvey, both of Texas. Most of Sessler’s donations are small-dollar amounts.

The preliminary count of ballots in the primary election took place Tuesday night, Aug. 6.

Other candidates in the District 4 race include Democrats Mary Baechler, John Malan, Barry Knowles and “Birdie” Jane Muchlinski. The only independent in the race is Benny Garcia.

Look for election results online at http://www.ritzvillejournal.com.