Photo by Josh

Jolt didn't know who to declare as today's winner or loser when the KING 5 poll showed a dead heat in the governor's race, 42-41 with McKenna holding the nominal lead.

Certainly, we could have given the winner to Inslee for pulling even on McKenna's signature issue, education. KING 5 reports: "It's now a draw on education, with 34 percent saying McKenna would be stronger, compared with 35 percent who believe Inslee would be stronger on education." That's kind of slap at McKenna who's been barnstorming on education for over a year. Inlsee recalibrated on the issue in early April after catching hell from big Democratic donors.  And it has clearly worked.

Or we could have handed the W to McKenna for having deeper support. KING 5 summarizes: "The survey found 72 percent of McKenna's supporters describe themselves as enthusiastic vs. 58 percent of Inslee's." The enthusiasm gap has been dogging Inslee all campaign.

But now our debate is settled. McKenna is today's official winner.  The latest finance numbers are in and McKenna has nearly $1 million more cash on hand, $3.7 million to $2.8 million.

And while both candidates have raised the same amount, $6.8 million, Inslee's number is inflated by more than $1 million in contributions from the Washington State Democrats.