Not that she needs it, but Democratic U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell will get another campaign fundraising boost next month when Vice President Joe Biden appears at a Seattle fundraiser for her.

The event will be held July 9 at the Westin Hotel, costing $50 a person and $250 for "premium" admission, according to the Cantwell campaign.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Inslee will also be on hand to welcome Biden.

Proceeds from the event will be split between the Cantwell campaign and the Washington State Democratic Party.

Cantwell, the state's junior senator, is seeking a third term this year and did not draw any big-name Republican challengers. National political oddmakers consider her virtually a shoo-in for re-election at this point.

Cantwell already has $4.6 million stashed in her campaign account, as of her most-recent Federal Election Commission report at the end of March.

Her Republican challengers, meanwhile, have struggled to attract money and attention.

First-term state Sen. Michael Baumgartner reported $145,000 in his campaign account at the end of March. Physician Art Coday had $22,500.