As Republicans try to catch up to Democrats in political power in Olympia, they are catching up to the methods their opponents use to mold Washington’s future politicians.

The résumés of five Republicans making strong bids for the Legislature this year have at least one line in common: the Jennifer Dunn Leadership Institute, a program for conservative office-seekers modeled after similar Democratic initiatives.

The institute trains its second class this week. More than half of the 22 members are running for office, said board member and state Rep. Bill Hinkle. Others aspire to government or community leadership down the road.

“I think it’s a great tool to identify the next crop and generation of potential candidates,” said Brent Ludeman, director of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, which stands to benefit from having a pool of conservatives or Republicans with leadership and campaign training under their belts.

All five candidates coming out of last year’s original 14-member class are running for the first time, but their inexperience hasn’t kept them from gathering support and money quickly.

Three, Gregg Bennett, Joe Fain and JT Wilcox, are among five GOP challengers who have so far raised the most money in challenges to incumbent lawmakers. Bennett, the CEO of a consulting business who is taking on Democratic budget writer Sen. Rodney Tom, has already spent $168,000 on his campaign, far more than any other legislative candidate.

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