One of the Senate's top fundraisers gives back to her caucus

Plus more surplus money-shuffling, an ethical kerfuffle on the long-term care initiative, and some recommended reading

Now that the primary election is over, political candidates are starting to move their unspent donor dollars into individual surplus funds accounts, which can then be spent by candidates in a few different ways to build political capital or buy community goodwill. 

Here’s how it works: Washington State allows candidates to move donor money into a surplus funds account which can be reinvested in future campaigns; donated to community organizations; shared with the caucus or party; and even to pay themselves, a move that’s frowned upon. The most common use of the money is the surplus shuffle, in which powerful lawmakers in safe districts raise money from lobbyists and other players in Olympia, and then plow the money back into competitive races elsewhere. 

We never miss a chance to run out the fanciful money-laundering graphic. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.