Sutherland hypes bi-partisan backers

Washington's State Commissioner of Public Lands, Republican Doug Sutherland, formally began his campaign on Tuesday with events in Bellevue and Spokane sandwiched around the time he spent with John McCain. Now that he is fully on board, he is already touting his bipartisan support.

Sutherland sent out a press release highlighting the endorsements of Republican and Democratic leaders from across the state in the legislature and beyond.

“Discussions about the responsible stewardship of Washington’s forests have been too divisive for too long,” said Sutherland. “I appreciate the support of so many Democrats who have helped craft sustainable solutions that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for schools, create healthy forest ecosystems and provide benefits for all the people of Washington. Only by working together can we end the divisiveness and anger that has really damaged Washington’s economy and ecosystems.”

“I’ve had many chances to work with Doug, sometimes across party lines, but always to find solutions,” added former Senate Democratic Majority Leader Ted Bottiger.

Sutherland also announced the endorsements of former Speakers of the House Bill Polk (R), Wayne Ehlers (D), Clyde Ballard (R) and Brian Ebersole; former Senate Majority Leaders Sen. Dan McDonald (R), Sen. Ted Bottiger (D) and Sen. Bill Finkbeiner (R).