Thank you for your coverage of the 36th District race for the open House of Representatives seat. I look forward to your interview with John Burbank in this week's issue (story published Oct. 15).

A major distinction between the two candidates needs to be emphasized - bringing to life the importance of "following the money." While John Burbank has refused all corporate contributions, more than four out of every $10 raised by Mr. Carlyle has come from corporations, business associations and corporate executives. By contrast, Burbank's contributions come from labor unions, public interest organizations, Democratic party organizations and individuals.

I think it's disturbing that Mr. Carlyle has received so much money from the Aerospace Future Alliance, Bank of America, Washington Mutual, Washington Bankers Association, the Washington Independent Bankers PAC, Washington Financial League (the savings and loan industry association), AT&T, Broadband Communications Association of America, Qwest, T-Mobile, Verizon, Primera Blue Cross, Safeco, Pemco, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Schering Plough, the Rental Housing Association PAC, the Washington Multi-Housing Association, the Washington Association of Realtors - and the folks who tried to bring us a tunnel to replace the Viaduct (like Washington Engineers PAC and Parsons Brinckerhoff).

Think about who would be lined up outside Mr. Carlyle's office in Olympia, were he to be elected, expecting payback for their "investments" in purchasing his election.

Readers can find details of contributions to all candidates at the Public Disclosure Commission Web site, http://www.pdc.wa.gov/ (click "Search the database," then click "Candidates," then use the "legislative" menu to select the candidates for this office).

Amy Hagopian

Ballard