Dave Quall-40th District Rep, and Chair of the House Education Committee, endores Ken Henderson for Senate 40th District.

Ken Henderson is a true leader in Human Rights. He worked hard in the 1990's to secure a Human Rights resolution in Whatcom County.

Western Washington University Professor and Human Rights Activist, Dr. Vernon (Damani) Johnson stated, “Ken was instrumental in passing a resolution in support of Human Rights work in Whatcom County during a very difficult political time for the Task Force. Ken stepped up to face a conservative majority in the council and with his strong backing the resolution was passed unanimously. Ken is exactly the type of strong compassionate leader that we need in the Washington State Senate.”

For more about 40th District senate candidate Ken Henderson visit: www.kenhendersonforsenate.com

Mark Mays for U.S. Congress

Press Advisory

Contact: Chad Radock, Campaign Manager, 509-981-4290

Mark Mays to Conduct Listening Tour

Mark Mays, candidate for the 5th Congressional District in Washington State will be conducting a listening tour during the Month of July.  The goal of this tour is to listen to the concerns and the needs of all of the people of the district, in order to better represent them in Congress.  Any voter, regardless of party, is invited to attend and share with Mark his or her views and concerns about what is going on in Washington, D.C. and right here at home.

The first round of visits will occur this Wednesday, July 9, 2008.  Events are open to the press.  The schedule is as follows:

9:30am - Dayton, Washington - The Delaney Building, 111 S. 3rd

1:30pm - Clarkston, Washington - Jaw Bone Flats, 6th St. and Sycamore

4:30pm - Pullman, Washington - Democratic Party Headquarters, 127 N Grand Ave

Further Tour dates will be released as they are scheduled.

Press Release                                                                                                                                              Contact: Jedediah Leavitt Smart

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                           (360) 920-5956

Ken Henderson gains key Union support and continues to lead in overall campaign donations. 

Bellingham-Ken Henderson has continued to gain key Union support over the last week gaining the sole endorsement of the Washington State Labor Council-the largest labor organization in the state representing over 400,000 members, the unanimous and sole endorsement of the N.W. Washington Central Labor Council-representing San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom County, the sole democratic recommendation from the Washington Federation of State Employees-local 1381 and 1060, and the sole recommendation of the Retired Public Employees Council chapter 7. The Bellingham Fire-Fighters local IAFF 106 also pledged their sole support for Henderson in the month of June.

"It's a great honor to have union support statewide. In me, working women and men of our District and State will have a champion to fight for their issues: growing the economy, family wage jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic and social justice." -Ken Henderson

Henderson continues to lead overall campaign fund raising with $48,550 in campaign contributions, received from over 215 individual donors.

Ken Henderson, 59, practiced optometry for 25 years in Bellingham, Lynden and East Sound. He has extensive community and government service in a broad range of areas from health care, community planning, aging and mental health, and environmental protection. Ken is a graduate of Skagit Valley College, Western Washington University and Pacific University. He served on the Whatcom County Council, Bellingham Planning Commission, United Way board, and a number of other government and community organizations. Ken has been a strong advocate for parks in the area, serving eight years on the Whatcom County Parks Board, the Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation Board from 1998 to 2007 and currently serves on the Deception Pass State Park Advisory Board. Ken is a Vietnam veteran and has been providing health care for economically disadvantaged patients locally in his practice and in medical missions to Central America for many years.

Washington State 40th district Senate Race-Ken Henderson gains the endorsments of the Washington State Labor Council and the support of several other unions. Ken Henderson also continues to lead in fundraising.

 PRESS RELEASE

From: Mark Greene, Secretary of State candidate,

June 27, 2008

Mark Greene is the chairman of the Party of Commons. The Party of Commons is economically progressive, culturally traditional, anti-interventionist, for common sense defense and pro-Bill of Rights.

SECRETARY OF STATE CAMPAIGN REPORT

DEFENSE OF TOP 2 PRIMARY

The reinstated "Top 2" Primary will be defended; this primary once again ensures our opportunity to vote for ANY candidate in primaries, a tradition in Washington. This primary, by its inherent nature, ensures that minor parties and independents are a part of the opening process of the electoral season. Voters will NOT have to sign statements or choose a slate committing themselves to a particular party's candidates. Primaries are not an offbeat stop on the way to the main event, they are a fundamental part of the election process, as they are a part of the winnowing process that determines which candidates should be in the General Election. The Democrat Secretary of State candidate (Osgood) is against "Top 2".

DEFENSE OF INITIATIVE SYSTEM

I am a strong supporter of initiatives (the Common People's Government) and I would do everything in my power as Secretary of State to rebuff attempts by some in the Legislature to weaken the Initiative system. In fact, I would try to make it somewhat EASIER to put initiatives on the ballot. Some Democrats in the Washington Legislature are trying to make it effectively harder to put initiatives on the ballot.

DEFENSE OF GENERAL POSTAL MAIL VOTING

Voting by mail should be an option for all voters. I am a supporter of general mail voting, as long as there is a recourse for voters to vote in the traditional method at regional polling stations. Also, mail voting should have plenty of checks and balances to ensure the integrity of the election system. As with any kind of voting system, there will be problems uniquely identified to a particular system, and they must be counteracted with actions to keep the same problems from reoccurring, and through robust auditing. The Democrat Secretary of State candidate (Osgood) is against so-called all-postal mail voting, according to an article in the Seattle Times.

CORPORATE REGISTRATIONS

As the registrar of Corporations; also, the Secretary of State's duty, I would see to it that no special favors are given to particular corporate entities, and that the corporate regulations of Washington are set forth in an egalitarian and professional manner.

FRAUD AND WHISTLEBLOWERS DIVISION

I would create a sub-division in the Elections Division that could be called something like the Fraud and Whistleblowers Sub-division. That office would concentrate on monitoring election systems, conducting audits, and communicating with whistleblowers.

Whistleblowers who dutifully, and sometimes courageously, report problems or abuse of the electoral system should be welcomed as an important part of ensuring the integrity of it. If I'm elected, whistleblowers will have a special place in the Secretary of State's Office.

People who have special skills in monitoring elections and knowledge of voting apparatuses would be welcome additions to my office; someone like Bev Harris, a renowned investigator of voting fraud across America, would make a good Deputy Secretary of State. These are the kind of employees that would ensure that Washington has the most integral voting system in the country.

RANDOM PROFESSIONAL CHECKS ON VOTING MACHINES

The Secretary of State's Office, as the state office in charge of elections, among other things, it should be responsible for vigilantly safeguarding our electoral rights as set forth in our federal and state laws, and there should be a sincere upholding of the federal and state constitutions. Constant, professional and random checks of the voting systems in Washington are essential. There is no democracy if the votes are not counted correctly or at all. Paper based election systems, such as optical scanning, are a must, so that the votes can be audited and verified. In close elections, within a margin of two percent of winning or qualifying, votes should be verified by a hand count. Voting machines from controversial manufacturers, or with constant problems, should not be allowed for use in Washington.

SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON AUDITING NEEDED

I would make sure that my staff is not overworked and that they understand the importance of making continuous audits and checks so that errors from our office, if any, will be caught as soon as possible. Conscientiousness, professionalism, integrity and devotion to detail would be a priority in my office. I would make sure there is an auditing position, if there is not, now, for each division of the Secretary of State's Office: Elections, Historical Archives, and Corporate Registrations. For cost saving measures, other positions may have to be combined together, in order to accommodate the new emphasis on checking, auditing, and generally making sure that work is error free.

INDIGENT CANDIDATES

Running for office should be relatively easy, but the system to assist prospective candidates who cannot pay the filing fee is not working. Filing fees are tied to the salaries of the office holders, but as the salaries rise continuously, so does the requirement for the number of signatures on petitions. Collecting signatures is hard work and time consuming. While the rigors of the work that the office holders do, and the number of hours they work, may not change if their salary increases, the opposite is true for those who have to use a petition in lieu of the filing fee. Not only that, but the petition system is not fair for those who are working, but still economically unable to pay the filing fee, and for those who are elderly or disabled. Working people often don't have time to collect signatures, especially as the requirement raises with the office holders' pay raises. The elderly and disabled may face physical obstacles to collecting signatures. It's a degenerative system and unfair on the face of it. If elected to Secretary of State, I will propose a new system for those who want to run for office and cannot afford the filing fees.

HISTORICAL ARCHIVES

As this office is the preserver of Washington's history, I would see to it that the history of all Washingtonians is revered and that special emphasis be given to this function of the Secretary of State's duties.

VOTING REGISTRATION SYSTEM

The incumbent Secretary of State's relatively recent programs of reducing the voter roll of invalid registrations may have been rushed and did not take into account considerations that would be more vigilant in protecting voting rights, generally.

New applications are, also, of a concern. Reed was reprimanded by the United States District Court for trying to deny new voter registration applications if they did not exactly match government agency data [Washington Association of Churches versus Sam Reed]. However, government agency data is not necessarily correct and an individual's voting rights should not be automatically denied.

Felon voting restoration should come about upon their release from imprisonment, home arrest, or release from electronic monitoring systems.

The Secretary of State should be more mindful of voters' rights and should not rush to overhaul voting registration systems, especially to deny a potential registrant or void a current registration, without careful and deliberate checking of each registrant. [END OF REPORT]

For Immediate Release: Sunday June 29th, 2008
Contact: Jason Heck, Campaign Manger, Citizens for Kevin Ranker

Phone: 360.220.5914

Email: Jason@kevinranker.com

Web: www.KevinRanker.com

Kevin Ranker wins sole endorsement of NARAL, and SEIU 925, 775

Kevin Ranker also takes the lead in overall contributions with over $46,000 in donations

Mount Vernon-Democratic Party Nominee for the 40th District Senate, Kevin Ranker, has gained endorsements from NARAL, SEIU 925, 775, 40th LD party chair Tom Pasma, and 40th LD Vice Chairs Roni Beall, and Erna Berghuys and Wade Marlow (owner of the Blue Horse Gallery in Bellingham.) This comes on the heels of out-raising all other candidates in both May and June with over $46,000 in total contributions and receiving other key endorsements from the Washington Education Association, Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt, Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell, and others.

"I think it is important to get endorsed by the organizations that I consider the ‘good guys," said Ranker.  "I am a strong supporter of all their causes: I'm for worker rights, for protecting women's right to choose, and I am supportive of a vibrant cultural community." 

Dennis Angell, the NW Region Member Political Organizer from SEIU 925 said, "We believe Kevin Ranker will provide the kind of leadership working families need to truly make improvements on issues like early childhood education, K-12 education reform and health care."

In addition to the success with fundraising and endorsements, Kevin Ranker's campaign is working hard at the grassroots level throughout the district doorbelling hundreds of homes a week and hosting several events this month in each of the three counties in the district.

Kevin possesses 15 years professional experience in the private and public sectors, developing and advancing legislation, community development strategies, and conservation initiatives. He has directed numerous organizations and has specialized for several years in working to promote healthy, diverse, and strong communities and jobs, while protecting the environment.  Kevin was elected to the San Juan County Board of County Commissioners in 2004. During the past years, Kevin has taken on additional responsibilities that have allowed him to work on issues for the entire region, including Skagit and Whatcom Counties.  These commitments have allowed Kevin to represent issues ranging from senior citizen and veteran's needs, to agricultural preservation to health care, education and the environment. Kevin lives on San Juan Island with his wife and daughter. 

###

Hey Guv, There's a Negative Sign before That Number

Bellevue, WA... Christine Gregoire continues as Governor of the State of Denial this week when, according to the Oregonian, she told a group of firefighters that Washington was "sitting on a surplus." Her comment came four days after the Economic Review and Revenue Forecast Council predicted a $158 million dive in economic revenue during the next biennium.

Despite the non-partisan Senate Ways & Means Committee staff predicting a $2.5 billion deficit, Gregoire has been defiantly touting her imaginary "surplus" for months. Never mind last week's ominous downturn in state revenue, which ratcheted the projected deficit even higher. The cause of the deficit is Gregoire's reckless three-year spending spree, where she's increased spending of tax dollars by more than 33%. 

When asked about her deficit in March of this year, Gregoire told Oregon Public Broadcasting that she was putting off any precautionary planning for a deficit, despite projections of a $2 billion deficit at the time:

"We have three budget forecasts before that, so it's a guess. So to say today, ‘What are you gonna do about it?' Well I don't know what it's going to look like virtually one year from now...So again, premature, good news in Washington state right now..."

Fast forward to earlier this week; one budget forecast down, two to go, and it's not looking good. But Gregoire was talking about "good news" in Washington, right? Steve Lerch, the state's interim chief economist said of the housing industry: "It's the worst downturn we've seen in the last 25 years."

Gregoire will continue to tout her invisible "surplus" until it's too late and the only option will be tax increases. We wish that one of her trusted budget advisors would point out the negative sign in front of the billions of dollars on the state's balance sheet. For failing to acknowledge Washington's dire budget realities, we give Gregoire an "F" followed by a negative sign.

-30-

Been There, Done That

Rewarding Campaign Donors With Political Favors

and Big Money nothing new for Gregoire

Bellevue, WA...Recent news stories in both the Seattle P-I and the Seattle Times have questioned whether Gov. Gregoire has handed out political favors to her campaign donors while in the governors' mansion. But the pattern of questionable pay-offs goes all the way back to her time as Attorney General when she negotiated the tobacco settlement. 

The settlement turned a few well-connected trial lawyers into multi-millionaires. Many of those same favored trial lawyers turned around and donated large sums of money to both Gregoire and the Democratic Governor's Association (DGA). One such lawyer is Richard "Dickie" Scruggs, who received a 5-year prison sentence today for conspiring to bribe a judge.

Scruggs and his firm received approximately $1 billion (not a misprint) in fees from the tobacco litigation, in which then-Attorney General Gregoire was a key negotiator. In October 2004, Scruggs donated $200,000 to the DGA which was then running negative TV ads against Dino Rossi. The DGA is also a sponsor of negative ads that began airing today against Rossi.

"The more light we shine on Christine Gregoire, the more we learn about her habit of handing out political favors to campaign donors and supporters," said Luke Esser, Chairman of the Washington State Republican Party. "And Gov. Gregoire's habit of rewarding political supporters didn't just start recently. As Attorney General, Gregoire negotiated a tobacco settlement that made a few trial lawyers into multi-millionaires, who then turned around and gave big to her campaign. One of Gregoire's strongest financial supporters (and one of her ‘closest friends' in the tobacco litigation), Dickie Scruggs, was just sentenced today to five years in prison.

"As governor, Gregoire renegotiated a tribal casino compact that initially would have provided $140 million a year to the state into a deal that gave the state absolutely nothing. Not surprisingly, some of the tribes that benefited from the governor's actions are contributing generously to see her re-elected. And now, today, at the very moment that the incumbent is negotiating contracts with state employees, Gregoire is benefiting from huge contributions by some of those same unions, a clear conflict of interest for the governor. Every day more and more ethical questions are raised about Gov. Gregoire's behavior. These questions will continue unless Gov. Gregoire can break her habit of rewarding campaign supporters with political favors."

A 2004 Seattle Times article noted the connection between Scruggs and other trial lawyers involved in the tobacco settlement and Gregoire's campaign.

"Private lawyers who had worked alongside Gregoire on the tobacco settlement were even more generous....

Lawyers hired by the states to help take their cases to court received millions of dollars in fees from the settlement. Those lawyers and their firms already have contributed heavily to Gregoire's campaign, around $100,000 in direct donations.

On Oct. 8, the DGA got $200,000 from Richard Scruggs, a prominent tobacco attorney who also has made direct contributions to Gregoire's campaign. Scruggs said his firm made between $900 million and $1 billion in fees on the tobacco litigation."

It's not possible to specifically tie individual donors to the DGA to Gregoire's campaign; however, Scruggs said, Gregoire was uppermost in his mind when he made his contribution. ‘She was one of our colleagues and close friends in the tobacco wars, and I'd certainly like to see her get as much of it as possible, but it is not my call.'"

Even back in 2000, Gregoire was denying allegations of pay-offs from her trial lawyer friends.

"Nonsense," insists Fred Olson, Gregoire's director of administration. Critics, he says, are wrong to think the donations "must be a payoff, rather than what they are: a reflection that someone has a high regard for an elected official."

Gregoire will need to keep making denials so long as she continues to engage in such questionable behavior.

-30-

Rep. McDermott Emergency UI Legislation Signed into Law by the President

For Immediate Release, Monday, June 30, 2008

Unemployed Americans who are struggling to regain employment in the current economic downturn will receive an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits because of legislation by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) that was included in H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008, and signed into law today by the President. 

"We are providing a lifeline today for unemployed Americans to help them survive during these difficult economic times," McDermott said.  He noted that the bill would provide assistance to about a million Americans who have already exhausted their regular UI benefits and to almost another three million exhausting the normal 26 weeks of benefits in the coming months.

"Gasoline and food prices are sky high, and the economy continues to struggle to produce new jobs, so Americans need and deserve a helping hand to make it through a time like this," McDermott said. 

Rep. McDermott is the chairman of the House Ways and Means Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over unemployment insurance.  Months ago he introduced bipartisan legislation with Republican Rep. Phil English to address the needs of unemployed Americans during the slump in the economy.

In the state of Washington, an estimated 46,000 people will benefit from this extension between now and through March of next year when Congress would have to extend it again. 

McDermott's original legislation passed overwhelmingly in the House, but the Senate failed to act on it until a modified version was included in the Supplemental Appropriations Act.  This new version added a work requirement to qualify for benefits over what is already in place, and it stripped the bill of a provision adding a second 13 weeks of extended benefits for workers in states with especially high unemployment.

"I wanted to direct an additional 13 weeks of help to those states hardest hit with unemployment above six percent, but the President and Senate Republicans would not agree. We got as much as we could for now, but we will continue to closely monitor the economic data.  I'm prepared to act again if things don't improve." 

-30-

For Immediate Release                                                                                         Contact: Jill Strait

June 26, 2008                                                                                                              425-498-2008

State Employee Unions Get Ready to Launch Rossi Attack Ads while Gregoire Negotiates their Pay Increase

Redmond, WA - The Evergreen Progress PAC, made up of contributions from the Democratic Governors Association and 15 labor union PACs, is slated to start running TV attack ads against Dino Rossi tomorrow. More than 60 percent of the money for these ads comes from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Washington Federation of State Employees. Both groups have also given large sums to the State Democratic Party.

While these groups, whose employees are paid by state tax dollars, are pouring in hundreds of thousands of dollars to help re-elect Governor Christine Gregoire, she is actively negotiating pay increases for these same state employees.

"The incumbent is negotiating with these state employee groups using taxpayer money.  On the very day that she is negotiating, these same groups are putting hundreds of thousands of dollars into a campaign to re-elect her," said Rossi campaign spokesperson Jill Strait. "Is Gregoire blind to this conflict of interest?  Will the public believe that the Governor, who is negotiating with these groups, is unaware or unaffected by the fact that these same groups are paying for her re-election?

"Gregoire should refuse to negotiate pay increases until after the election and she should instruct her party chair to return contributions from these groups. Anything else gives the appearance of a pay-off. At a time when our state faces over a $2.5 billion deficit and families and businesses are struggling with rising prices, we can't afford to see our tax dollars wasted by Gregoire handing out political thank yous to her biggest contributors." 

The SEIU currently has four contracts being negotiated by Gregoire that need to be completed by October 1, 2008.

1)      Home health care workers - SEIU 775

2)      In home child care workers - SEIU 925

3)      Nurses in state institutions - SEIU 1199

4)      Classified staff in higher Ed institutions (PSE/SEIU)

The Washington Federation of State Employees is also currently negotiating contracts with Gregoire that include increases in salary and benefits.

The Seattle Times on Tuesday highlighted the fact that both the SEIU and the Washington Federation of State Employees were major contributors during the 2004 recount, donating $418,000 and $250,000 respectively, and that both made out very well under Gregoire's administration. These same groups will now run TV ads to ensure that Gregoire stays in the Governor's mansion.

"Do you suppose these ‘independent' ads will coincidentally be a continuation of Gregoire's radio attack ads that went up this week criticizing Dino for the 2003 budget - the same budget that was passed by a Democratic controlled House and signed by Democratic Governor Gary Locke?" continued Strait. "And do you suppose that Gov. Gregoire, who was so offended last week by third party ads about her record, will show the same kind of anger toward these ads?"

# # #

For Immediate Release                                                                               Contact: Casey Bowman

June 26, 2008                                                                                                               425-498-2008

Rossi Campaign Announces 36,000th Donor

Ray Nyman Wants All Business to "Survive and Thrive"

Redmond, WA - Ray Nyman was at home feeding his dog when he received a personal call from Dino Rossi thanking him for his support, and letting him know he was the 36,000th contributor to this citizens' movement to change Washington.

Ray and his family live in Medical Lake, and he recently donated $50 to the Dino Rossi for Governor campaign.  Ray said he was pretty surprised to get the call from Dino while unwinding from work that day.  He called his daughter afterwards to tell her about Dino's call and said she was "a little jealous."  Ray also supported Rossi in 2004 because of his stance on issues, but said that after their conversation he has "just a good feeling about him."

"Now more than ever the state needs a new leader," he said.  Ray works at a machine equipment dealership, and doesn't like the direction the state is going right now, specifically in regard to business.  He likes that Rossi has a business background, and thinks that as governor he'll keep taxes down and enact other business-friendly reforms so businesses of all sizes can "survive and thrive."  "Large and small business supports people," he said.  "If there's no business, there's no jobs."

Ray is one of a growing number of supporters to Dino Rossi's 2008 gubernatorial campaign who want to help fix problems in Washington... for a change.  Together, they have contributed more than $5.7 million to the campaign.

###

Press Release for Immediate Release

The 10th Legislative District Democrats

Chairman Alec McDougall

Chairman Alec McDougall is pleased to announce:

This last Saturday, June 21, 2008, theExecutive Board of the 10th Legislative District Democrats met in Oak Harbor to decide which Candidates for Office in the 10th L.D. the Board would endorse. 

The Executive Board endorsed the following Candidates:

For the 10th Legislative District (Whidbey Island, Camano Island, parts of    Skagit and Snohomish Counties) local races:

Senator Mary Margaret Haugen for reelection to State Senate.  Senator Mary Margaret Haugen is a great asset, being Chair of the Transportation Committee, having a great working relationship with Governor Christine Gregoire and her vast experience.  Senator Mary Margaret Haugen has demonstrated the leadership needed for the future, from her leadership placing the Department of Transportation under the Office of the Governor, to her help with families with needs; her love of and protection of farmland alone, makes her an excellent Candidate for reelection. 

Tim Knue for State Representative Position 1.  Tim Knue is an award winning educator, FFA advisor, lifetime local resident, agricultural expert and active with his church and family.  Tim Knue will bring experience, balance, and effective leadership to Olympia.  When you meet Tim Knue you know he means it when he says: Listen,Learn, Lead!

Patricia Terry for State Representative Position 2.  Patricia Terry, a 30-year Registered Nurse, performance evaluator, regional manager (West/Far East) quality oversight with the Department of Defense, and Masters degree in Public Administration makes her an especially attractive Candidate. 

Statewide Races and the 2nd Congressional District:

Governor Christine Gregoire for reelection.

Congressman Rick Larson for reelection in the 2nd Congressional District.

John Ladenburg for Attorney General.

Jason Osgood for Secretary of State.

Jim McIntire for State Treasurer.

Peter Goldmark for Commissioner of Public Lands.

Randy Dorn for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Mike Kreidler for reelection Insurance Commissioner.

Brian Sonntag for reelection State Auditor

Brad Owen for reelection Lieutenant Governor

Chairman Alec McDougall stated:  "I am proud of the Board, we have had some tough decisions with a couple of contested races and I feel we have put forth a slate of Candidates that can take the State of Washington forward.   Just imagine Congressman Rick Larson who sits on the Transportation Committee in Washington D.C., Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, Chair of Transportation in Olympia, Governor Gregoire dedicated to transportation, this is a WIN, WIN, WIN, for the citizens of Washington."After reviewing and hearing from the Candidates, one just has to visit their campaign web sites to see the depth of qualification presented by each of these Candidates.

Vice Chair Jan Helwig of Oak Harbor echoed Chairman McDougall's comments and added: "I am so grateful to our Precinct Committee Officers, they worked hard at our Nominating Convention last month, and our endorsements validate their hard work; this is real Democracy at work!".

The Board in closing noted a local young man, Bill Schneeman, graduate of South
Whidbey High School and the University of Washington, for his excellent job in representing Congressman Rick Larson.  Chairman McDougall: "we are so proud and impressed with our young adults that are involved in these campaigns".

CONTACT INFO FOLLOWS, NOT FOR RELEASE:

Chairman Alec McDougall can be reached at 360-424-6510

Vice Chairman Jan Helwig can be reached at 360-240-9673

Cathy McMorris Rodgers last week abandoned working families who work for the Federal Government by voting against granting paid leave for the birth of a child or for the placement of a child with the parent for adoption or foster care.

State Democrats Launch Offensive Web Video

Bellevue, WA... The Washington State Democratic Party yesterday released an offensive, racist web video that features a black-and-white pseudo mug shot of Dino Rossi with the theme song from The Sopranos playing in the background, implying that Rossi, because of his Italian heritage, is involved in organized crime.

"Gov. Gregoire's political operatives have engaged in bigotry with this web video in order to shift the focus away from the ethical clouds surrounding Gregoire," said Luke Esser, Chairman of the Washington State Republican Party. "This video is offensive to every Italian-American in this state and should not be tolerated. 

"Furthermore, Gov. Gregoire, who dramatically announced last week that we had hit ‘rock bottom' with negative campaigning, should call on her party's Chairman to immediately remove this video and offer an apology.

"It is outrageous that the Democrats would stoop to this level on Gregoire's behalf. What's next? Dino is also part Tlingit, Alaskan Native. Are they going to attack him for that, too? This type of racial stereotyping is unacceptable. Gregoire and the Democrats know they can't win on the issues so instead they turn to ethnic attacks. It's shameful and an insult to the voters of our state."

-30-

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2008

Down on Her Luck: Gregoire Caught Breaking Gambling Promise

Bellevue, WA... Casino compacts aside, Gov. Christine Gregoire was in more hot water this past week for "under-delivering" on a promise to protect kids from gambling.

This promise involves halting the state lottery from selling tickets featuring pictures of popular candy. Gov. Gregoire talked about the importance of not marketing lottery products to youth in a letter she sent to the state lottery director in February 2006. A Seattle P-I column says that in the letter, Gov. Gregoire expressed her worry about teens becoming involved in gambling at an age when they "do not fully understand" the risks involved. She even instructed her agency:

"We need to be very clear that we will not engage in any marketing strategies directed toward youth. ... I ask that you refrain from using tools that entice those young adults to play."

So how come the state just circulated 1.9 million candy-covered tickets featuring Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Milk Duds around the state in March?

As the columnist suggests, "That the games even exist suggests the governor isn't minding the store." Sounds like the old Gregoire habit of "talking tough" and then not living up to her promises.

Gov. Gregoire doesn't seem to give Washingtonians much credit. To condemn lottery tickets that appeal to children and then continuing to sell them makes as much sense as taking credit for limiting casinos while allowing the largest expansion of gambling in state history. Gregoire's brand of governing is based on an assumption that the public simply won't notice the contradictions in her policies. But we all know what happens when you assume...

That's why we give Christine Gregoire an "F" this week for her failure to control gambling.

-30-

Paul Richmond, Candidate for Congress, Washington's 6th District, (D)

2023 East Sims Way, #263, Port Townsend, WA, 98368

Phone: (360) 379-5575, Fax: (360) 379-5116, www.richmond4congress.com

June 24, 2008

Media Release: Dicks Votes Spur Funding for Richmond

In the aftermath of some particularly egregious votes by incumbent Norm Dicks, nets roots activists have begun giving large numbers of small contributions to his Primary Opponent, Paul Richmond, a Democrat.  In the past few hours Paul Richmond has received more than 450 contributions from the Democrats based website Act Blue.  www.actblue.com/page/bushdemocrats  This funding is a result of Dick's recent votes.

Dicks recently broke with the majority of Democrats and voted to grant retroactive immunity to those telecoms that took part in warrantless surveillance of U.S. Citizens.  While some such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called this a "compromise," others such as Senator Russ Feingold called this a capitulation by fellow Democrats.[i] Dicks had also broken with the majority of Democrats and voted to give the Bush administration an additional $165 billion to continue the war and occupation of Iraq with no provisions for an exit.  [ii]  

Richmond is a lawyer, media, producer and community activist with a two decade history of fighting to preserve Constitutional Rights.  Richmond entered into the race out of a concern for what was being done to the Constitution. 

"This isn't the first time the incumbent has voted against our most basic liberties," said Richmond.  "He supported the Patriot Act which attacks rights to legal process under the 4th 5th and 6th Amendments; handed over Congressional power and allowed the President to start an illegal war; voted for the Defense Authorization Act that allows the military to be used against citizens for the first time in 130 years; and co-sponsored the Homegrown Terrorism Act which will study which "ideologies" ought to be illegal."

"Voting against the Constitution in the name of National Security has become the Norm for this incumbent," said Richmond.  "Obviously there are many people who are tired of this Norm." 

[i] New York Times, June 20, 2008., Eric Lichtblau, Deal Reached in Congress to Rewrite Rules on Wiretapping, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/washington/20fisacnd.html?_r=3&hp&oref...

[ii] seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/iraq/2008007942_iraq20.html

Authorized by Paul Richmond for Congress

Michelle Obama to stump for Gov. Gregoire

"One Washington - One America" event to focus on

common vision for the future

WASHINGTON STATE - Future First Lady Michelle Obama is coming to Seattle for an event with Gov. Chris Gregoire.  The fundraiser will be held July 17 at noon.

At the "One Washington - One America" event, Gov. Gregoire and Michelle Obama will speak about the common vision for the future held by the governor and Sen. Barack Obama and the importance of a partnership between our governor and the next president.

"Despite the failed policies of the Bush Administration, our state has made significant progress during the past four years," said Gov. Gregoire.  "When Barack Obama is elected president, our state will have a partner in the White House - a leader who will support our fight to provide children healthcare, take on climate change and help working families."

The announcement of this event comes on the heels of a June 20 economic roundtable Sen. Barack Obama hosted with Gov. Gregoire and other Democratic governors.  At last Friday's event in Chicago, Sen. Obama discussed the importance of having a partner in the White House who will support states' efforts to improve education, access to healthcare and prosperity for all, all shared priorities of Gov. Gregoire.

"Barack Obama understands important role governors are going to play in reversing the failed policies of the Bush Administration," said Aaron Toso, spokesperson the Gregoire campaign.  "We're very excited about Michelle Obama coming to town."

Recently, Gov. Gregoire and Sen. Obama also united in opposition to President Bush's public support of drilling for oil off both coasts of the United States.

For more information on Gov. Chris Gregoire and her campaign, please visit www.ChrisGregoire.com.

####

For Immediate Release                                         Contact: Luke Esser

June 23, 2008                                                           425-460-0570

Gregoire Plays Hide-and-Seek With Her $2.5 Billion Deficit

Bellevue, WA... What do you do if you're a governor who can't defend a massive increase in spending that drove your state into a massive deficit? Blame President George W. Bush of course!

That was Gov. Gregoire's response when asked about declining revenues and the $2.5 billion Gregoire Deficit she created. Friday morning Gov. Gregoire attended a meeting with Sen. Barack Obama in Chicago to further strategize on how she can blame Bush for her budget woes.

"There's a reason it's called the Gregoire Deficit," said Luke Esser, Chairman of the Washington State Republican Party. "The Gregoire Deficit is one hot potato that our governor is not going to be able to pawn off on anyone else. I must have been out of town the day George W. Bush ordered Gov. Gregoire to increase spending by 33 percent, and also to raise taxes by $500 million. Blaming the president might give the governor personal satisfaction, but it won't make her $2.5 billion deficit disappear. The namesake of the Gregoire Deficit is the one person who has to accept responsibility for the crisis she has created."

-30-

For Immediate Release: June 23, 2008

Contact: Brooke Davis, Political Director

Citizens to Elect Rick Larsen

Phone: (425) 259-1866

Cell: (425) 830-2031

www.ricklarsen.org

brooke@ricklarsen.org

Larsen Secures Strong Support from Local Law Enforcement in Re-Election Bid

 Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS) & Law Enforcement Administrators of Washington (LAW) Endorse Larsen for Re-Election

Everett, WA - Both the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS) and the Law Enforcement Administrators of Washington (LAW) have endorsed U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) for a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. These endorsements come only a few weeks after Congressman Larsen received the endorsement of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association endorsement.   

"Endorsing Congressman Rick Larsen was an easy choice," said John Lovick, Snohomish County Sheriff today, "His continued commitment to supporting local law enforcement and supporting initiatives like the COPS program enables local communities to hire more law enforcement officers to keep us safe."

"I am honored to have the support of the Washington Council of Police Sheriffs and the Law Enforcement Administrators of Washington as well as the support of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association." said Larsen. "I will keep working in Congress to support local law enforcement and make sure they have the tools they need to fight crime and protect our communities."

WACOPS represents approximately 5,000 uniformed officers in Washington state.  LAW represents approximately 250 Washington police chiefs and sheriffs. The Washington State Patrol Troopers Association represents over 1,100 troopers, detectives, and sergeants throughout the state.

As co-chair of the House Meth Caucus, Larsen has worked to strengthen federal support for local law enforcement.  He worked to pass the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, a landmark bill that made it more difficult for meth producers to get the ingredients they need to make the drug.  This legislation helped local law enforcement reduce the number of meth labs in Washington state communities by over 75 percent.  Larsen has also backed legislation that would strengthen the highly-successful Community Oriented Policing (COPS) initiative that helped local law enforcement hire over 100,000 police officers nationwide.  Larsen continues his work in Congress to strengthen federal investments in initiatives that work -- like the COPS and Byrne-JAG grant programs -- to make sure that local law enforcement officers have the tools they need to do their jobs.

As Larsen continues his bid for re-election the latest poll shows him with an 18-point lead over his Republican challenger. The Survey USA poll conducted from June 16, 2008 through June 17, 2008 shows Congressman Larsen with a lead of 56% over his challenger's 38%.

###