WA Gov Locke returns nearly $190,000...campaign chest still holds $360,000

Locke returns nearly $190,000
Lame duck's campaign chest still holds $360,000

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Gary Locke has given back nearly $190,000 in campaign contributions since he announced last year that he wouldn't seek a third term.

But his campaign coffers still hold about $360,000, campaign treasurer Philip Lloyd told The Olympian.

About a third of donors who gave Locke money for the September primary have asked for refunds, Lloyd said. If more don't speak up, Locke could use the money in a variety of ways, including giving it to the state Democratic Party, which could then give it to other candidates. "A decision on how to use the money that is not returned will be made after the September primary," Locke spokesman Glen Kuper said.

State law bans Locke from giving the surplus money directly to either of two remaining Democratic candidates for governor, Attorney General Christine Gregoire and King County Executive Ron Sims.

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