Working against a deadline, the Washington state legislature finished up not only a (third) 2015 special session, but completed work on a 2015-17 budget during the last week in June as well. This work had some impact on the 2016 presidential primary in the Evergreen state.Source: Washington State Will Have a 2016 Presidential Primary, but Caucuses, too...

Three rich Texas donors helped a group of super PACs backing former Texas governor Rick Perry's presidential bid raise nearly $17 million, underscoring the outsize role that wealthy individuals are having in the 2016 race. Meanwhile, two groups supporting Ohio Gov.Source: Rick Perry’s $6 million man: Rich donors pour massive sums into 2016 super PACs...

On July 13, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker formally declared his candidacy for the Republican Party presidential nomination. That makes 17 candidates with the qualifications to be recognized by the Republican National Committee as bona fide candidates. Pollsters include all 17.Source: Republican Presidential Primary Ballots in 2016 Will be Most Crowded in History...

The latest television ad touting GOP presidential contender Marco Rubio proclaims that he is “leading the fight” to stop President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran. But the new spot, which hits the airwaves Wednesday, is not the work of his official campaign or even his allied super PAC.Source: Groups backed by secret donors take the lead in shaping 2016 elections...