Cantwell has hefty lead in cash for campaign

Even after writing himself a $2 million check in August, Republican Mike McGavick still has far less cash in the bank than incumbent Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell.

According to disclosure reports filed with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday, McGavick raised $925,559 from July 1 to Aug. 30, not including his $2 million loan. Cantwell brought in $942,755 during the same period.

Though Cantwell spent almost twice as much money during the period, she still has $5.1 million in the bank. McGavick reported about $2.7 million in cash on hand.

In a prepared statement, McGavick said his cross-state touring in July "didn't leave much time to focus on fundraising, but our supporters came through and we continue to be in a very strong position to compete with the incumbent Senator."

Cantwell's campaign manager, Matt Butler, said, "With just nine weeks to go and over $5 million in the bank, our campaign is confident that we will communicate our winning message to all of the voters in Washington state."

Alex Fryer: 206-464-8124 or afryer@seattletimes.com