As of this writing, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp (D-43) has raised $91,565.80 for his re-election campaign. But look closely to see where the money comes from. The lion's share is from corporations, PACs and unions. Most of the rest is from individuals who live outside the district. Only three individual residents of the district have contributed to Chopp's campaign -- John Thompson, Tara Cummins and Peter Erickson -- for a whopping total of $400. That's embarrassing. On the other hand, Chopp's district mate, Ed Murray, who, unlike Chopp, is essentially running unopposed, has received quite a few individual contributions from district residents.

What does the Speaker's campaign spend its money on? A lot of it goes to "food and beverages". One intriguing expenditure is identified as "Food and Beverages Meeting with Jarrett", $87.67, posted July 2. The meeting with Fred Jarrett apparently didn't end well. It looks like Frank Chopp gave $15,000 to Jarrett's opponent. And Fred Jarrett doesn't seem thrilled with Frank Chopp either. I met Jarrett yesterday evening -- at a dinner for Frank Chopp's Republican opponent Mark Griswold, who, by the way, has raised more money from more individuals in the district than Frank Chopp has.