40th LD Dems throw weight behind Ranker

Kevin RankerReacting to the recent slate of endorsements for Ken Henderson (D-Bellingham) for state senate in the 40th Legislative District, including retiring Sen. Harriet Spanel, Rep. Dave Quall (D-Mt. Vernon) and former candidate Paul Gonzales (D-Mt. Vernon), all of which have come in the last two weeks, the 40th LD Democrats are speaking up to remind voters that their full endorsement belongs to Kevin Ranker (D-San Juan Island).

"There is confusion about which candidate the Democratic Party is supporting this year in the Senate race to fill the 40th Legislative District seat currently held by Senator Harriet Spanel," 40th LD Democratic Vice Chair Roni Beall said in a press release late Tuesday night. "The clear and simple answer is Kevin Ranker. He is not only our sole nominee, but is also our sole endorsee."

Beall was referring to the Precinct Committee Officer vote that determined the district's nominee, as well as the five-tiered endorsement process the district held to determine an endorsee in order to help voters decide their primary choice while at the same time creating a more open and democratic process than the PCO vote.

"The membership was advised that they could endorse as many candidates as they wished to, and that every candidate who received votes by more than 50% of those present would receive the party's endorsement," Beall reiterated in her statement, referring to the endorsement process. "Once again the results were clear. Kevin Ranker received a decisive 74% of the vote. No other candidate received greater than 48%. Accordingly, Kevin Ranker received the sole endorsement of the 40th Legislative District." 

The 40th Legislative District, which also includes Republican Steve Van Luven (R-Samish Island), so far has been one of the most contested primary battles in the state because of surplus of credible and well-funded candidates. Also running on the Democratic side are Bellingham's Stephanie Kontouros and Hue Beattie.