More legal trouble for state Democrats

Fred WalserBarely a week after Rep. Geoff Simpson (D-Covington) was arrested on domestic violence charges, another Washington Democrat has been charged with a gross misdemeanor. This time, however, it is merely a candidate for state office and not an elected official.

The Everett Herald reports that state Senate candidate Fred Walser (D-Sultan) has been charged with providing false information to a public servant. The incident allegedly occurred when Walser was the Chief of Police in Sultan and relates to the possible suppression of evidence in a dispute between one of his officers and her neighbor. The full story of the case is here.

Walser told the Herald that he would not drop out of the race, even if convicted.

"I'm pleading not guilty, doing what my attorney says and hopefully this will be over quickly.

"I've served the public for 40 years and this is the only issue that's arisen. What I've tried to do in my career should not be overshadowed by what's happened in Sultan."

"I am highly electable and the best candidate out there."

Walser, who served as a State Trooper for nearly thirty years before becoming Sultan's Police Chief in 1996, is seeking Val Stevens' (R-Arlington) seat in the 39th LD.