Millions in lobbyist cash pours through surplus-money loophole into tight races

Powerful lawmakers raise bundles for nonexistent campaigns, then launder the money for big infusions to help vulnerable colleagues, promising newcomers

House Speaker Laurie Jinkins raised nearly $300,000 for an essentially nonexistent reelection campaign this year. She spent almost none of it ahead of the August 4 primary in her completely safe Tacoma district, then crushed a fellow Democrat with nearly 80 percent of the vote.

That’s because the money was never meant for her campaign. On Aug. 6, accord…