The Municipal League of King County released its ratings of the candidates for Kirkland City Council with only two receiving the highest rating of “outstanding.”

The two candidates earning the highest rating were Doreen Marchione, who is running for position No. 7, and Penny Sweet, who is running for position No. 3. Both candidates are challengers.

“I am just thrilled and very excited,” said Marchione. “I do think it helps voters to have an independent, non-partisan organization look at you and give you a rating.”

Three cadidates, incumbent and Deputy Mayor Joan McBride, who is running for position No. 1, Brad Larssen, who is challenging Sweet, Matt Gregory and Karen Tennyson, who are both running for position No. 5 in the primary August 18, all received ratings of “very good.”

Amy Walen, who is also running in the primary for position No. 5, received a rating of “good,” along with incumbent Tom Hodgson, position No. 7.

The candidates are asked to fill-out a questionnaire with two sections. The first section is comprised of general information relating to residency, past positions held and campaign information. The second section is comprised of five long answer general questions such as: In one page or less, why are you running for this office? and Describe your most important personal characteristics or traits as they relate to the office you seek.

The candidates were judged based on their involvement, effectiveness, character and knowledge.

The only candidate not to receive a rating was Martin Morgan, which the organization noted that it was unable to contact the candidate for the process and concluded that there was no active campaign. According to the Public Disclosure Commission Morgan has raised $955 for his campaign.

Sweet leads all candidates with $13,996.66 raised, nearly $6,000 more than the next closest candidate Walen with $8,105.75.

Walen’s two opponents for the primary have raised a combined $8,683. Of Walen’s total she has raised $2,646.80 from Kirkland residents or businesses. Gregory has raised $3,710 in Kirkland, while Tennyson has raised $3,300 in Kirkland.

Sweet has raised the most inside Kirkland with $7,960, but Gregory has the highest percentage of contributions from within Kirkland at 89 percent.

All combined the candidates have raised $44,170.44 so far. All campaign donation information was provided July 23.