A couple weeks ago, upon learning of Washington State Republican Party chair Kirby Wilbur's obnoxiously sweeping public records request—which amongst other things included all emails forwarded by Mayor Mike McGinn to any non-city email address, and all text messages the mayor has sent or received—I couldn't help but wonder how much this political fishing expedition would cost Seattle taxpayers time and money? So asked the office if they could keep a running tab.

Today I got the tally. According McGinn spokesman Aaron Pickus, fulfilling the WSRP's overly-broad request took about 11.5 man-hours, and cost Seattle taxpayers an estimated $550.00.

Wilbur's cost? $6.45 in copying fees.

But you know, Republicans are all about spending taxpayer dollars responsibly.