The two GOP candidates in the race for the 3rd U.S. congressional district are about neck and neck when it comes to fundraising, with Tea Party fave David Castillo showing $162,731 to GOP-anointed state Rep. Jaime Herrera's $197,001.

But Castillo only has $49,370 on hand, versus Herrera's $140,069—meaning Castillo has spent more than twice as much as Herrera. Which is why, despite apparently having the same fundraising pull, GOP insiders continue to hype Herrera's financial lead.

We took a look at Castillo's ledger to find out where he was spending all his money.



The Federal Election Commission shows that most of the money Castillo spent went toward campaign consulting—about $45,100 to Seattle Republican consultant Cary Evans, for example. Castillo, an Olympia financial adviser, also spent $17,500 on financial consulting.

And the campaign went on an unwieldy spending spree on March 8: a Visa bank card payment for $2,806; a Best Buy equipment purchase for $597; registering with the Thurston County Republicans for $300; a plane ticket on United for $290; and $201 at a Safeway in Phoenix, AZ.

I couldn't immediately access Herrera's expenditure info at the FEC website. I have a call in to Herrera's office to see what she spent her $57,000 on.

Castillo released a statement yesterday acknowledging Democratic State Sen. Craig Pridemore's announcement that the Democrat was dropping out of the race, but spent the rest of the press release slamming Herrera for her lack of experience.

"If Republicans hope to prevail in November, we must challenge Heck with a candidate of substantive experience, unbending values, and a commitment to the free market conservatism that has sustained this country," Castillo said. "I am the only Republican running who meets that criteria and I very much look forward to bringing my experience and background to bear on this debate."