Democratic congressional candidate Denny Heck has raised $950,000 in campaign funds — including $350,000 of his own money — since launching his campaign to succeed U.S. Rep. Brian Baird in the 3rd Congressional District seat last December. That puts him well ahead of the two leading Republican candidates in the race, state Rep. Jaime Herrera and Olympia financial consultant David Castillo.

According to Federal Election Commission reports for the three-month period ending June 30, Heck has raised $950,162 to date, including $481,921 from individuals, $14,950 from political action committees, and $2,255 from the Democratic Party. Heck says more than 1,600 individuals have donated to his campaign, of whom 92 percent are Washington residents and more than 60 percent live in the 3rd Congressional District. He reported having $801,607 in cash on hand.

In a statement, Heck said his fundraising success leaves him “well-poised” for a campaign “focused on job creation and economic development.” The former state legislator, founder of the public affairs channel TVW and successful business entrepreneur has told supporters he will need $2 million to wage a viable campaign through the November general election.

Herrera, R-Camas, has raised $377,415 in her campaign, nearly half in the second quarter of 2010. Her total includes $345,116 from individuals, $32,800 from political action committees and $200 from the GOP. She reported raising $180,465 in the second quarter of 2010 and having $201,020 in cash on hand.

A poll commissioned by Herrera’s campaign last month showed she had a lead of nearly 20 percentage points over both Castillo and Tea Party activist David W. Hedrick, a Republican.

Herrera launched her first TV ad last week, on the theme of trusting Americans to lead the nation back to prosperity rather than “some central government planning office funded with taxpayer dollars.”

Castillo, an Olympia financial adviser and former Bush administration official who launched his campaign in June 2009, has raised $245,334, of which $228,331 came from individuals and $9,500 from PACs. He reported raising $82,603 in the second quarter and said he has $68,044 in cash on hand.

Hedrick reported raising $41,358 through June 30.

Democratic peace activist Cheryl Crist of Olympia reported raising $6,706 through March 31.

The sixth candidate in the race, Pacific County resident Norma Jean Stevens, filed no campaign fundraising report with the FEC as of the July 15 deadline.

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