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Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
J E F F E R S O N C O U NTY
Foreword
Don’t forget to vote by Nov. 2 THIS SPECIAL SECTION of the Peninsula Daily News, also available at no charge at the county courthouse, libraries and other public places across Clallam County as well as online (www. peninsuladailynews.com), provides voters with information about the Nov. 2 general election. It profiles the candidates in countywide and local races in which there is more than one candidate, as well as those for U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and the state Legislature and state Supreme Court. It also discusses the state measures on the ballot. The primary election was held Aug. 17. Compilation of information, including the question-andanswer segments, was coordinated by PDN Senior Writer Paul Gottlieb. The Associated Press also contributes to this report. Candidates’ answers to questionnaires were limited to 75 words per question and were edited for length, grammar and spelling. Races in which there is only one candidate are not profiled in this section. Neither are write-in candidates. In Jefferson County, all voting is done by mail. There is no Election Day precinct polling. Mail-in ballots were sent to registered voters in the appropriate jurisdictions by Oct. 13. They must be postmarked no later than Nov. 2 or dropped off by
They’re already elected The following candidates are unopposed and are elected to new four-year terms (except where noted). Their names will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot, but because they’re unopposed, they are not profiled in this Election Guide. In partisan offices, the party affiliation — D for Democrat, R for Republican — appear in parentheses. Washington state ■ Supreme Court, Position 1: Jim Johnson ■ Supreme Court, Position 5: Barbara Madsen
Jefferson County ■ Assessor: Jack Westerman III (D) ■ Auditor: Donna M. Eldridge (R) ■ Clerk: Ruth Gordon (D) ■ Sheriff: Tony S. Hernandez (D) ■ Treasurer: Judi Morris (R) ■ Public Utility District, District No. 1: Barney Burke (six-year term)
Clallam County ■ Assessor: Pamela Rushton ■ Auditor: Patty Rosand ■ Sheriff: Bill Benedict ■ District Court 1 judge: Rick Porter ■ District Court 2 judge: Erik Rohrer ■ Public Utility District, Position No. 1: Will Purser (six-year term)
deadline for people not currently registered to vote in Washington. Registration must be done in person at the Auditor’s Office in the county courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend. ■ Nov. 1: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot for the Nov. 2 general election at the County Auditor’s Office in the courthouse. ■ Nov. 2: Last day for write-in candidates to file a Declaration of Candidacy for the Nov. 4 election. ■ Nov. 23: Deadline for County Canvassing Board to certify the general election returns. ■ Nov. 25: Last day for county to mail abstract of general election returns to state. ■ Dec. 2: Final day for secretary of state to certify general election returns from across the state. Got questions?
Questions about Jefferson County elections can be posted to the County Auditor’s Office elections division at 360-385-9117 Mondays through Fridays. Voter registration information is available by phoning 360-3859119. Statewide elections information Important information — including a link to the state’s Do not place more than one bal- Election calendar online voters guide — is available lot in the official return envelope, Here are some significant dates from the Secretary of State’s and don’t forget to sign the enve- relating to the general election: Office in Olympia on the Web site, lope. ■ Oct. 25: Voter registration www.vote.wa.gov. no later than 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at: ■ Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend. A drop box is located in the rear parking lot of the courthouse. ■ Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Ave., Port Hadlock.
Fill in the oval next to your choice and vote for only one candidate in each race. Signifying your choice with an ✘ or check mark (✔) instead of completely inking in the oval (●) or placing an identifying mark on a ballot will invalidate the ballot.
Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
For the election ending November 2, 2010
S T A T E L E G I S L A T U R E, 24th D I S T R I C T
Representative, Position 1 Why are you running for this position? Gase: When I wonder about the future in store for my grandsons, I become concerned with the economic direction in which our state is headed. What kind of an economy are we creating, and is it acceptable? I think not. This is the time in my life that I can devote to this very important job. It is with a fire-in-the-gut passion that I believe I can make a positive difference. Van De Wege: Through my work as a firefighter/paramedic and my wife’s work as a schoolteacher, I am in daily contact with the 24th District at its most vulnerable. I know the hardships that the honest, hardworking families of our community are experiencing, because I see them everyday. I serve in Olympia so that I can tell my children that I am doing absolutely everything in my power to fight for a better future for our community. How will you balance your current job status with being a state representative, especially during the three-month legislative session, when being in Olympia on a daily basis is so important? Gase: I will be a full-time representative for the people of the 24th District. When not in legislative session I will travel throughout the district on a very regular basis and actually be there for the people of the district. Having flexible control over my time is a distinct advantage to better serve the district. Van De Wege: As a firefighter-paramedic in Sequim, I work with the most courageous and caring people you could ever meet, and thanks to their support and flexibility, I have the opportunity to fight to protect and serve our community those
three months every year in Olympia. My colleagues at the fire station understand that the work I do as a state representative is no different than the work we do everyday safeguarding our fellow citizens from harm. What should be government’s role in creating jobs? Gase: The single best thing government can do to assist job growth is simplify regulations and reduce taxation of business, then get out of the way. Businesses across the district are struggling and many are closing their doors because of the higher taxes that have been imposed in the past few years. The next best thing is for government to have some predictability. This simple action will allow businesses to have a degree of confidence needed for growth and expansion. Van De Wege: Even in our current economic crisis, there are a number of ideological extremists running for office who believe in “Every man for himself!” They think that the government should simply ignore the countless families that need family-wage jobs in our community. Personally, I could not live with myself if I did not fight tooth-and-nail in Olympia to bring every single job opportunity to the hardworking, honest, taxpaying people of our district with families to support. What is your opinion of the state Legislature suspending Initiative 960, which required a two-thirds state legislative majority for tax increases? Gase: The people of the state, especially our district, spoke clearly when they voted for their Legislature to require a twothirds majority vote before raising your taxes.
My opponent voted to suspend the will of the people, resulting in major tax increases. This action becomes a huge burden on businesses and jobs in the district. This was wrong. Van De Wege: I-960 was written with good intentions, but it became a powerful tool for corruption in Olympia. America faces the worst economic crisis in memory largely thanks to the crooks on Wall Street, yet extremist Republicans were using I-960 to protect tax loopholes that were funding the same corrupt Wall Street schemes and rackets that caused the recession in the first place. I don’t believe average citizens should be paying Wall Street’s and big business’ taxes. Do you agree or disagree with state Attorney General Rob McKenna joining a lawsuit that challenges the new federal health care law? Explain. Gase: I agree. The federal health care law, as we learn more about it, continues to show signs that it is not at all what was originally intended. To be forced to buy a health care policy and fined if you don’t, which was created by legislators who did not know what was in it and who also exempted themselves from it, is disgraceful. Van De Wege: To be honest, I am not a big fan of my tax dollars being wasted on frivolous lawsuits against the federal government. We have real problems in the 24th District that need to be addressed. Instead of spending our tax dollars on ridiculous lawsuits, we should be focusing on creating family-wage jobs, supporting struggling small businesses, improving both the quality and efficiency of government services and finding solutions to the health-care crisis in our country. Turn
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Dan Gase Residence: Port Angeles Phone: 360-417-2804 E-mail: dan@votedangase.com Age: 57 Education: Associate of arts, Peninsula College, industry-specific courses at Arizona State University and The Wharton Business School at University of Pennsylvania Occupation: Real estate managing broker, consultant Campaign website: www.votedangase.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No Party preference: Republican Party
Kevin Van De Wege Residence: Sequim Phone: Home, 360-6814412; cell phone, 360-4770548 E-mail: kevinvandewege@hotmail. com Age: 35 Education: Associate’s degrees in fire investigation and administration from Edmonds Community College; paramedic certification from Northwest Medical Training; professional writing certificate and bachelor’s decree in social science from Washington State University Occupation: Firefighter/ paramedic with Clallam County Fire District 3 Campaign website: www.kevinvandewege.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? State representative for the 24th Legislative District since 2007 Party preference: Democratic Party
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Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
S T A T E L E G I S L A T U R E, 24th D I S T R I C T
Representative, Position 2 Why are you running for this position?
Candidates’ profiles on opposite page
Jim McEntire: I’m running for office to be a part of a more fiscally responsible state Legislature. Today, our state’s governance does not, cannot and will not get us to the economic future all of us desire for our posterity. It squelches our American system of private enterprise. The Legislature has thrown out Gov. Gary Locke’s and State Senator Dino Rossi’s “Priorities of Government” approach to balancing the state budget — government itself has become the priority. Steve Tharinger: I am a 30-year resident of the North Olympic Peninsula who wants to make sure we have family-wage jobs, good educational opportunities, that we are able to hunt and fish and our grandchildren will be able to hunt and fish. I want to make sure our air and water are fresh and clean and our communities safe and secure. I have the right experience and proven leadership to work on these issues in the Legislature. How will you balance your current job status with being
a state representative, especially during the three-month legislative session, when being in Olympia on a daily basis is so important? McEntire: As has been reported, if the voters of the 24th District elect me as one of their state representatives, I will resign my current office as a Port of Port Angeles commissioner, effective as of the date my successor is appointed or by the end of 2010, whichever is earlier. I’m retired, so I will wholly devote my time to representing all citizens of the 24th. Tharinger: I will be in Olympia full time when the Legislature is in session. Having a team of experienced county commissioners, who focus on the public interest, not special interests, facilitates the decision process at the county, making it possible for me to participate by phone, according to county policies, when in Olympia. Washington has a citizen Legislature. Most representatives have other jobs. Mine is being a commissioner.
The jobs complement each other and will keep me in constant contact with the people I represent. What should be government’s role in creating jobs? McEntire: Government’s role is to set the correct tax policies, set up regulations that will provide for orderly and predictable markets, provide economic infrastructure and create the most stable and predictable policy environment. Then, get out of the way of private enterprise. Now, no one knows what the next six months will bring in new regulations or taxes, so the ability of individuals to invest in a business start or expansion is very poor. Tharinger: Government can help create jobs by investing infrastructure like sewer and water, roads, ports and rail, which creates a job when the project is being built and provides the platform for future private-sector job creation. Also by investing in research and development, such as alternative energy, to help create products and jobs of the future. Turn
About the jobs 24th District State Representative Positions 1 and 2 Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan Term: Two years General election boundaries: Clallam and Jefferson counties, and the northern half of Grays Harbor County, including Hoquiam and Ocean Shores, not including Aberdeen. Voters: 84,306. The breakdown: Clallam, 45,805; Jefferson, 21,699; Grays Harbor, 16,802. Compensation: $42,106 yearly salary, $90 a day for expenses while the Legislature is in session, mileage allowance of 50 cents. Legislators are eligible for the same medical and retirement benefits as state employees. Legislators supervise one full-time legislative assistant who schedules appointments, follows up on constituents’ correspondence and serves as an office assistant. In odd numbered years, the session lasts 105 days, while in even numbered years, it’s 60 days. Duties: Draft bills, vote on state laws, address constituents’ complaints and concerns, participates on legislative and regional committees. Approve a state operating budget than in 2009-2011 is $30 billion. The budget pays for 110,000 employees, including 48,000 higher education employees.
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State Representative, Position 1 Continued from preceding page Give three ways you will you address the estimated $3 billion shortfall that’s expected for the 2011-2013 state budget. Gase: ■ Take a serious look at state employee benefit packages. Automatic step increases in salary should cease when there is such a significant difference between public and private sector pay levels.
■ Consider a significant decrease in funding the Department of Ecology. ■ Establish and stick with a program to prioritize items in the budget, so it doesn’t give the same weight to funding the certification of animal masseurs as it does to the prison system. Van De Wege: I care too much about my hardworking, struggling constituents to gut the funding of the government ser-
vices that they rely on and pay taxes to receive. Instead of slashing state funding for education and health care, I will fight to close the tax loopholes that billionaires and big business use to avoid paying taxes, maximize the efficiency of government services and ensure that the state pays only competitive, free-market prices for any outside contracting deals.
Gase: I will listen to the people of the district and vote in your best interest. I am for smaller government, reduced spending and balancing the budget without raising your taxes. And, I have the courage to vote for the best interest of our district rather than the best interest of the I-5 corridor and special-interest groups.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Van De Wege: I have proven myself.
My career as a firefighter/ paramedic shows that I will do anything to help our community, and my record in Olympia of creating jobs for the 24th District is undeniable. I am a tough, plainspoken, open-minded legislator who will never let big-business lobbyists, special-interest groups or an extremist partisan ideology get in the way of bringing family-wage jobs, economic opportunity and improved government services back home to the 24th District.
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
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State Representative, Position 2 Continued from preceding page individuals to purchase health
Finally by providing a reasonable, predictable regulatory environment so the private sector is willing to invest in the future. What is your opinion of the state Legislature suspending Initiative 960, which required a two-thirds state legislative majority for tax increases?
Jim McEntire
Steve Tharinger
Residence: Sequim
Residence: Sequim
Phone: 360-452-2199
Phone: 360-683-6480
E-mail: votejimmcentire@gmail.com Age: 60 Education: Bachelor of science, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, 1972; master’s degree in public administration, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 1988 Fellow, Secretary of Defense Strategic Studies Group, Arlington, Va., 19981999 Occupation: Retired in 2000 from the U.S. Coast Guard as a captain after 28 years of service as an officer (colonel equivalent) and retired again in 2006 from the Federal Senior Executive Service after an additional six years of civilian service to the nation Campaign website: www.JimMcEntire.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Elected as commissioner (District 1), Port of Port Angeles, in 2007, in a countywide vote. Assumed office in January 2008. Party preference: Republican Party
E-mail: tharyoko@olypen.com Age: 61 Education: Bachelor of arts, political science, Colorado College, 1971 Occupation: Clallam County commissioner Campaign website: www.stevetharinger.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? County commissioner Party preference: Democratic Party
McEntire: Last spring, the majority of the Legislature once again avoided the difficult choices facing us in “re-setting” state government for a different economic era. Although the state Legislature has the constitutional power to repeal or amend laws placed on the books by initiative two years after they are enacted, I believe laws restricting action by the Legislature should be honored. The people have spoken clearly and consistently in this regard. Tharinger: I am concerned about initiatives that do not have a clear delineation of their fiscal impact and lead to unintended consequences. I-960 limited the ability of the Legislature to close corporate tax loopholes that were unfair. I am opposed to a supermajority requirement in the legislature because it empowers a few over the many and leads to gridlock and ineffective governance; just look at California or the U.S. Senate. Do you agree or disagree with state Attorney General Rob McKenna joining a lawsuit that challenges the new federal health care law? Explain. McEntire: I agree with his joining several other states’ lawsuits. The Constitution allows the federal government to regulate interstate commerce, but that power does not extend to requiring someone to participate in interstate commerce, such as the federal health care law does when it requires businesses and
care insurance. That simply goes too far.
Tharinger: I am not informed on the constitutional arguments in Mr. McKenna’s case. I do know that the United States health care system is broken and unsustainable. It is the most expensive in the world and 17th in health outcomes. 700,000 people file for bankruptcy a year because of medical bills in the United States, and 20,000 Americans die in the prime of their life because they cannot afford to see a doctor.
The state needs to create more jobs by investing in infrastructure. The revenue picture improves for the private sector and the public sector with every job we can create. We need to look at the revenue side of the ledger and close tax loopholes that are not in the public interest. Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
McEntire: I’ll vigorously represent all the people of the 24th,with no conflicts of interest. As port commissioner, I’m proud of my record in encouraging good jobs and in vigorously Give three ways you will pursuing other economic developyou address the estimated ment opportunities to bring jobs $3 billion shortfall that’s to Clallam County. expected for the 2011-2013 I have an excellent record in state budget. fiscal discipline and responsibility, in working well with my felMcEntire: My priorities for low commissioners and working state spending: Legal obligations across county lines with other such as pensions for retired state government and private-sector employees, debt service, budget leaders as president of the Peninstabilization, and K-12 education; sula Development District. public safety and health; law and justice; transportation; protecting Tharinger: I have a record of the vulnerable (e.g., abused chiltransparent, inclusive, collaboradren, and elderly or intellectually tive leadership that is truly fischallenged folks without family cally responsible. or who are being exploited by Locally and across the state, I their family), and common-sense have dealt with the broad array environmental protections. of issues a legislator must face: Fund these first, then other health and human services, ecothings until the available money nomic development/job creation, runs out. land use/resource management, law and justice/public safety and Tharinger: The state needs budgeting. to find more efficiencies by inteI have the right experience grating its programs between the and the proven record to represtate and local levels, minimizing sent you well in Olympia, and I burdensome rules, audits and would be honored to have your contracts. vote in November.
Achievement and success on the North Olympic Peninsula.
Peninsula Woman Every Sunday in
Peninsula Daily News
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Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
J E F F E R S O N C O U NTY
Commissioner, District 3 Why are you running for this position? Austin: I am thankful for the four years that I have been your county commissioner. I have learned a great deal, and much has been accomplished. My experience has given me the knowledge necessary to get thing done. These are difficult times, and I would like to continue my service to you as we work to balance our need to protect the environment while nurturing our county’s economic growth. Boyer: Our current board thinks and acts in unison on everything it does. Its agenda has stalled our economic growth and driven energetic and innovative young people away to seek their way in life and raise their families. Subsequently, crime, drug use and domestic abuse is on the rise, poverty is expanding, and our commissioners responded by turning away timber revenues and wanting to raise taxes. I will bring an alternative view to the process. Give three ways you will address the county’s budget crisis. Austin: ■ Increase county revenue by supporting growth in our local economy. ■ Increase county revenue by returning federal and state dollars to the county through grants. ■ Develop even greater efficiencies in operations, such as by sharing positions and delivery of services with other agencies.
with an expandable sewer plan for the Tri-Area that has a realistic budget and can be built without putting unaffordable levies on private property owners. Do you favor or oppose countywide Proposition 1, the three-tenths-of-1-percent increase in the sales tax? Explain. Austin: Proposition 1 allows voters to support services that are not mandated by the state but which are vital to our health and safety such as adequate staffing for our sheriff’s department, Memorial Field, community centers and parks. A sales tax of 3 cents on $10 purchases will do much to continue these services while having the least effect on our citizens’ budgets. Boyer: No. I would have reluctantly agreed to a temporary tax for the purpose of addressing our current fiscal problems, but the commissioners rejected that idea. They preferred to never let a crisis go to waste and saw this as an opportunity to get another tax increase. I don’t think the voters will go for it. The commissioners spent money we don’t have and want the citizens to pay for their mistakes. What is your evaluation of The Statesman Group’s resort project in Brinnon?
Austin: Black Point in Brinnon and the adjacent marina will be developed. It is important that any development respects the unique natural qualities of the area. The Statesman Group offers a Boyer: ■ Stop using the Growth Management Act as a tool plan that is designed to be as friendly to the environment as to deny business opportunities possible through a state-of-the-art that have the potential to create waste system, protection of shorenew jobs for Jefferson County. lines and integrated planning. ■ Work for sensible zoning It will bring employment to changes that will allow innovative the community and will increase entrepreneurs to help boost our revenue to the county. economy and increase our tax receipts. ■ Promote moving forward Boyer: The proposed project
has been through years of detailed analysis by the planning commission, the county Department of Community Development and numerous ecological and environmental reviews. From what I have learned, the project is carefully designed and has the potential to bring muchneeded revenue into our county. I would like to see it help us by providing jobs and expanded services for south county residents. I believe county-level politics should be balanced, not partisan. How well is the current county commissioner serving the needs of Jefferson County? Explain. Austin: Through cooperation with county, city, state, and federal officials, I have worked to keep our state parks open, have kept our public lands open to sustainable forestry, protected our fishing economy, supported vital human services and have nurtured economic development. I have kept in touch by going to community meetings, listening to complaints and ideas and nurturing projects that serve the diverse needs of Jefferson County. This I will continue to do . Boyer: Obviously, my answer is, “not well.” That’s why I’m in this race. Because he is controlled by partisan extremism, he has done things like ignoring the public outcry over shoreline property takings by saying the people speaking out were a minority. Then he spends $250,000 to kill a timber cut that would help finance our schools and sheriffs because 12 people sent him e-mails. What would you do to foster economic growth in Jefferson County? Austin: I will continue to foster economic growth by creating the infrastructure essential to business and job development in
John Austin
Jim Boyer
Residence: Port Ludlow
Residence: Port Ludlow
Phone: 360-437-5175
Phone: 360-302-0989
E-mail: atwoodjohn03@yahoo.com Age: 69 Education: Bachelor’s degree, business administration, master’s degree and Ph.D. in counseling psychology, all at the University of California at Berkeley
E-mail: j210b@gmail.com Age: 64 Education: California public schools, U.S. Army, Texas Tech University, raising a son, owning and operating a small business
Occupation: Retired psychologist, current Jefferson County commissioner
Occupation: I suspended my business as a home builder to run for this office. I have built custom homes but mostly concentrate on entrylevel affordable housing
Campaign website: www.austincampaign.com
Campaign website: www.jimboyer2010.com
Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes. I was elected as Jefferson County commissioner for District 3 in November of 2006
Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No Party preference: Republican Party
Party preference: Democratic Party
the Tri-Area. I will encourage vocational training and education for our younger citizens and will support the efforts of Team Jefferson to nurture new and current businesses. I will continue working to support our tourism, aquaculture,
timber and agriculture. Boyer: I would work to find ways to alter the noose put around the necks of rural residents by the misapplied Growth Management Act. Turn
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A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
County commissioner, District 3 Continued from preceding page
This is a classic example of good intentions gone bad. It has promoted the idea that everyone should live in congested urban enclaves and guaranteed poverty for rural communities. It has become a tool for saying no instead of working together to benefit everyone and building strong economies sensibly. Why should voters choose you over your opponent? Austin: Voters will choose me if they seek a commissioner who will listen to their concerns and who will act with energy and reason for an effective, responsive government.
I have the experience, knowledge and dedication necessary to get the job done. Boyer: John Austin has not applied himself to serving the citizens of our Third District. That was proven in the primary. His policies have been partisan and detrimental to our community. He put us in a financial deficit by catering to special-interest groups and wants a tax increase to pay for his reckless spending. I want to restore the recreation center, preserve water for farmers, create jobs and balance our budget. Those aren’t partisan issues.
About the job Jefferson County commissioner, District 3 (south and west county) Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan
Duties: Approve a budget that in 2010 is $52.8 million, including a general fund operating budget of $15.6 million that covers 287 employees. Term: Four years Commissioners hire a county administrator, who supervises a four-person staff. General election boundaries: Countywide The general fund budget for the commissioners’ office is $392,147 in 2010. Voters: 21,699 Commissioners serve as an appeals board for all land-use issues, and sit as the majority on the Compensation: $63,926 salary beginning in seven-person county Board of Health, which sets January, mileage allowance of 50 cents per mile or county health policies and hears appeals of rulings use of a county vehicle. by the county health officer. Commissioner also receives the same medical They serve individually as a board and retirement benefits as other county representative on various local, regional and state boards and committees. employees.
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Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
J E F F E R S O N C O U NTY
Prosecuting attorney/coroner Why are you running for this position? Richmond: To help my community. I became concerned when I saw a deputy prosecutor with good knowledge of the law and strong community ties ousted from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for apparently political reasons. Immediately, I saw cases, many minor and with easy solutions, taking longer. Currently, there’s no one in the office who knows state law well. I’m also concerned some of the civil litigation is unnecessarily contentious. We can’t afford to do business this way. Rosekrans: Since graduating from college, I have devoted 35 years of my life serving my communities as a police officer, defense attorney and prosecutor. This is a career and not a job. It requires a commitment to the Constitution and the community to do what it right and just. This office is one that truly affords one an opportunity to really make a difference of which I have a proven track record. What are your budget priorities? Richmond: The prosecuting attorney’s budget is the county budget. As the county budget is shrinking, the prosecuting attorney is bringing more cases. Since the county is obligated to pay all costs for jail, law enforcement, courts and public defense, it’s taking away from keeping community centers and Memorial Field open or putting in sewers. We have to realize we’re making choices between things like prosecuting high school kids for fighting and these necessities.
We will continue to seek grants to fund the office and maintain our emphasis on domestic violence and drug prosecutions. By focusing on the issues dominating the services that most impact law enforcement and the courts, we can operate more efficiently and effectively, not wasting resources and tax dollars. What experience do you draw upon to lead a department faced with budget reductions? Richmond: I’ve lived in the Northwest two decades and have practiced law in Jefferson County for a longer continuous time than any current criminal prosecutor. What makes Jefferson work is people seeing what we have and innovating. I’ve applied this thinking in many careers, including leading volunteer efforts. We can partner with the community, including schools, to draw volunteers and give job training – there’s even a program where we can get select interns admitted as lawyers. Rosekrans: As a School Board trustee in a small school in a rural county, I participated in the budgeting process, where we had to be good stewards of tax dollars to provide the best education possible for our children. I have been an elected prosecutor in a rural office, and for seven years, I managed a cashstrapped budget and still implemented new programs. I also served on my church’s budget committee. What kinds or types of crimes have the most impact on county citizens and how you would you address the prosecution of those crimes?
Richmond: You could turn Rosekrans: To not only mainthis around. tain the level of service but to How are prosecutions impactmove forward with new ing citizens? approaches to fighting crime.
When you see things like increases in traffic-related charges to fight loss of revenue, that revenue tail is wagging the dog. Methamphetamine’s a very serious problem. But there appears to be more emphasis on marijuana, apparently driven by property seizures. And mental illness is huge, impacting the Pierce and Vines cases for example. Prevention and getting resources in place usually does more than punishment later. Rosekrans: By focusing on those individuals who are repeat offenders who affect the quality of life in our community, you can directly impact their negative effect on our county. Many crimes are drug-driven. We have one prosecutor who focuses on drug prosecution working closely with law enforcement. We have one prosecutor who focuses on domestic violence and works closely with victims. I will maintain a strong emphasis on juvenile crime to address issues before they take root. What’s your philosophy on using plea bargains? Richmond: Both sides should be able to exchange communication, look objectively at the facts and tell how the matter is likely to turn out. Trials are expensive and show failure to reach a resolution, like wars show failure of diplomacy. This is something that concerns me. Listen or go to a recent Friday morning Superior Court docket. You’ll see needless head-butting over minor issues. This does no one any good, and is something I’ll change. Rosekrans: More than 90 percent of cases are resolved through plea bargains, which conserve and better utilize resources. Turn
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Paul Richmond Residence: Port Townsend Phone: Campaign headquarters, 360-554-0880; law office, 360-379-5575 E-mail: richmond4prosecutor@yahoo. com Age: 49 Education: Law degree, University of Washington School of Law; trial college and workshops, Washington Defenders Association, American Trial Lawyers, Washington State Bar; certificate in mediation, University of Washington School of Law; master’s degree, American Film Institute; bachelor’s degree, California Institute of the Arts; classes in psychology, New School for Social Research, State University of New York, Purchase; University of California at Berkeley Occupation: I currently run and manage a law office. Campaign website: richmond4prosecutor.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No Party preference: Independent. I believe this office shouldn’t be partisan.
Scott W. Rosekrans Residence: Port Townsend Phone: 360-531-2175 E-mail: swrosekrans@gmail.com Age: 58 Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, 1974; law degree, South Texas College of Law, Houston, 1988 Occupation: Deputy prosecuting attorney for Jefferson County Campaign website: www.rosekrans2010.com Have you ever held public office? Yes, board of trustees for the Coldspring-Oakhurst Independent School District, Coldspring, Texas; criminal district attorney for San Jacinto County, Texas Party preference: Democratic Party
Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
For the election ending November 2, 2010
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Prosecutor/coroner Continued from preceding page
I have found that using plea bargains helps me address the real issue behind the offense, helping not only the victim and community but also the defendant so that you deter future behavior or help rehabilitate the offender. I have worked as a defense attorney and prosecutor in a nobargain court. It can be done but requires work. What experiences and opportunities have you had working with other government agencies, elected officials and department heads, and how would you apply what you have learned to the office of prosecuting attorney? Richmond: I’ve spoken and worked with experts in many fields. I’ve seen well-intentioned programs actually create crime, especially those geared toward youth. Some solutions don’t involve getting tougher on minor crimes but strengthening education, social services and opportunities to earn income. From the civil end, we need to work better with the community and not force everyone with issues to seek redress in court. We need more tools than a hammer, because everything isn’t a nail.
About the job County prosecuting attorney/coroner Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan Term: Four years General election boundaries: Countywide Voters: 21,699 Compensation: $123,572 annually, and the same medical and retirement benefits as other county employees. Duties: Represent the interests of the citizens of the county in criminal trials and in all other legal matters involving the county. The prosecutor decides who will be prosecuted and what charges will be filed. Serves as legal adviser to all county officials and school districts. The prosecutor also serves as the county coroner. The coroner investigates and certifies the cause of death in cases in which death is sudden and in which death is caused by accident or unlawful means. Propose and administer a general fund budget that in 2010 is $945,545 and which covers 11.77 employees, not including one grant-funded employee.
C LA L LA M C O U NTY
District Court judge Why are you running for this position? Jill Landes: It has been my privilege to have had the opportunity to serve as district court judge these last four years. I have found this job to be both challenging and rewarding. I feel I have served the citizens of this county well in this capacity and would be honored to be able to serve four more years as Jefferson County’s District Court judge.
Candidates’ profiles on next page tion are not dependent on financial factors. We are at the end of the road for budget cuts without compromising the rights of defendants or the safety of the community.
Wood: The budget shows 8.5 people working in district court. Why is that necessary when the court’s chief concern is traffic violations? fairly with everyone. money, and the priorities are The court administrator, who John Wood: I want to restore wrong. One huge hole in the office is, serves at the discretion of the fairness, impartiality and healthy I’ve seen felony level prosecuthere’s no attorney who’s really incumbent, has had her salary respect for everyone who comes tions for school kids getting in expert in state criminal law. boosted to $61,000, and the two to court. fights and a disabled person I don’t need a $120,000-plus probation officers have had their I was approached by several recovering their service animal salary and would take a pay cut salaries boosted to more than people, including former supportcharged with theft. to bring in additional people and $45,000 and $41,000, plus beneers of the incumbent, who were Meanwhile, serious cases fall programs. fits. Rosekrans: I was an elected troubled by what is happening in through the cracks. Yet, the judge herself refused prosecutor for more than seven our district court. A lethal home invasion Rosekrans: To build upon to participate in a symbolic 3 years in a small, rural county of She’s a former prison guard remains unprosecuted. percent county employee pay what has already been done by approximately 20,000 people. and prosecutor and has a reputaA psychotic patient gets reduction in 2009. strengthening our drug prosecuDuring this time, I not only tion for being rude, self-centered delayed going to Western State had to prosecute all sorts of tions on those who make a living Hospital and nearly kills someone. and excessively punitive. What is the meaning of crimes, but I had to manage the off addiction and by addressing I intend to make a change in With your vote, I’ll change this. judicial temperament, and office, which included working the problems created by domestic the disposition and policies of the why or why is it not imporclosely with county commissionviolence. court. Rosekrans: The next four tant? ers, elected judges and other We have already seen a differ- years look to be tough years for elected officials and department ence with our focus on those who Jefferson County. What have you identified heads. Landes: Judicial temperahabitually commit crimes and will in the district court budget The office of prosecuting attorAs in Jefferson County, I would continue to either deter, rehabiliment is the demeanor of the that could be cut to accommo- judge while sitting on the bench. ney will need a leader who has be called upon to research issues tate or punish them. date diminishing revenues? the experience, knowledge and and provide legal advice. It is important, as it sets the The office will be viewed as wisdom to make the tough choices general atmosphere for the court focusing on issues, addressing Landes: From 2009 to 2010, and still maintain the quality of What will be your major and for those offenders appearing them and doing what is right for district court lost three-quarters prosecution the citizens have accomplishment if elected? before it. all concerned. of a full-time position and traincome to expect. It means that one must be ing for staff. I am confident that I am that Richmond: I intend to build a impartial, patient, listen to all Why should voters choose We now have 8.5 staff memperson. prosecuting attorney’s office that parties in a case, know the law, I pledge to do my best with the bers, which includes the judge. deals effectively with real crimes, you over your opponent? apply the law fairly, be firm resources available and will conWe handle more than 14,000 disposes with petty crimes and is when necessary and treat everytinue to look for ways to better Richmond: I’ll change the hearings a year. willing to look outside law one with dignity and respect. enforcement for some solutions Constitutional mandates such way the prosecutor does business. serve the citizens of Jefferson Turn to next page County. and a civil division that deals as due process and equal protecIt costs the county too much
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Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
District Court judge Continued from preceding page
There is also a place for humor, when appropriate.
Jill Landes Residence: Port Townsend Phone: 360-461-4982 E-mail: kagiso@olypen.com Age: 60 Education: Bachelor’s degree, American studies, California State University, Fullerton; advanced teacher certificate, social sciences; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; law degree, Seattle University Occupation: District Court judge, Jefferson County Campaign website: None Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? I currently hold the elected position of district court judge for Jefferson County.
John Wood Residence: Port Townsend Phone: 360-385-3622 E-mail: jaww@cablespeed.com or johnaugustuswood@gmail. com Age: 66 Education: Bachelor’s degree, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine; law degree, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C. Occupation: Attorney, John Wood Law Office Campaign website: www.johnwoodforjudge.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No
Wood: It means being a fair, impartial referee who listens objectively and keeps a level playing field for all disputes that come before the court. It means being conscious of one’s own biases and preferences and keeping them from interfering. It means gaining respect by giving respect rather than by demanding it. It’s important because it’s the bedrock of a healthy justice system. How would you improve the current “pay-or-appear” system? Landes: From all indications, this program is working well. It gives those with little money — and with fines and fees to pay — an opportunity to pay at a rate that fits into their budget. If they have no money, then they pay off by performing community-service work. This program also gives them the chance to explain if they cannot do either. Warrants are only issued if they do not appear when summonsed by the court. Wood: People should be held accountable, but many in the “pay or appear” system are among the poorest people in the county. You cannot get blood from a stone. Arresting people who fail to meet the constant burdens of “pay or appear” is dysfunctional and a move back to the failed idea of debtor’s prison. Community service is one alternative that will help poor people work off their obligations and benefit the community. How important is a criminal law background for serving as a district court judge? Landes: It is vital, as criminal cases such as driving while
About the job Jefferson County District Court judge Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonpartisan Term: Four years General election boundaries: Countywide Voters: 21,699 Compensation: $141,710 salary and the same medical and retirement benefits as other county employees. Duties: Jurisdiction over criminal cases including misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases including driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, hit and run and driving with a suspended license. With the exception of DUI and some game violations, those convicted of criminal offenses in district court may be sentenced to pay up to $5,000 in fines, a year in jail or both. intoxicated and domestic violence take up the majority of the court’s time with hearings and trials. As in the medical profession, the legal profession is highly specialized. My background in criminal law has been invaluable in that I am familiar with pertinent case law and rules that have to be followed without having to do extensive legal research, thereby saving the county time and money. Wood: District court is the “people’s court” and hears the least serious crimes. What’s most important is a sense of fairness, so that when people leave court, they have confidence they were dealt with fairly in a thoughtful, even-tempered and open-minded manner. I’ve been a police officer and a criminal defense attorney. After 39 years as a lawyer, I’m confident one can be fair and open-minded and still hold people accountable.
process in place for this. The legislative, judicial and executive branches meet regularly to discuss budget issues. Additionally, there is a lawand-justice subgroup to discuss budget issues pertaining to those areas. I also meet with superior court when necessary to discuss those issues that impact the judicial system Judicial policy is formulated by the judiciary. The legislative body (county commissioners) are responsible for county policy.
How will you collaborate with other departments when the county formulates its budget and other policies?
Wood: If the county asks for voluntary pay cuts, I’ll participate. I’ll work with the auditor to come up with a transparent budget that ordinary citizens can understand. I’ll request an immediate audit of the district court finances to find and remove inefficiencies. I’ll work to increase efficient pre-trial diversion programs to decrease the public costs of minor offenses. The court and clerk’s office will be friendly and easy to work with.
Landes: There is already a
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Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
For the election ending November 2, 2010
11
J E F F E R S O N C O U NTY
Proposition 1 — sales tax ting programs, the county is presenting the sales tax hike as a way for voters to keep existing programs in place. The endangered programs that would be spared the axe if the increase is approved include: By Charlie Bermant ■ Funding for two senior cenPeninsula Daily News ters ■ Support for the Jefferson Proposition 1, which will raise County Fair Jefferson County sales taxes 3 ■ Support for child care procents for every $10 purchase, is grams needed to make up for a county ■ Funding for the Olympic government revenue shortfall while giving voters the chance to Community Action Program (OlyCAP) to maintain three commusupport specific programs that would otherwise be eliminated for nity centers ■ One sheriff’s deputy posilack of funding, proponents say. tion, one animal control officer Proposition 1 is on the Nov. 2 and safety training for the sherballot and needs a simple majoriff’s department ity to be enacted into law. ■ One-half position in the If it passes, taxes would prosecuting attorney’s office increase April 1, and the county that’s responsible for domestic would begin receiving revenues violence and driving-under-theJune 1, when it would begin to influence prosecutions compensate for the projected ■ One juvenile probation $620,000 shortfall. The measure is in response to counselor ■ Support for a maternal child the inability of available revenue care nurse to keep up with the rate of infla■ Support for programs in tion. agriculture water quality, forestry, The measure’s passage is not fish, wildlife habitat and educaassured, as many tax increases have been rejected by the voters. tion. V oter approval of the sales Rather than unilaterally cut-
✔ 1: County proposes 0.3-cent boost to sales tax
Jefferson County Proposition No. 1 Local Sales and Use Tax for Public Safety, Youth and Senior Services, Community Services and Basic Government Public Services The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution #32-10 to place before the qualified voters of Jefferson County the question of whether the sales and use tax in Jefferson County should be increased three-tenths of one percent (0.3%), equal to thirty cents tax on a one-hundreddollar purchase. If approved, Proposition #1 would dedicate revenue to maintain certain tax hike will save these programs, not eliminate the need for other program cuts, according to County Administrator Philip Morley. Putting this measure on the ballot has certain statutory restrictions. It is defined as a “law and justice levy,” which means 35 percent of the new revenue must support public safety. In addition, 40 percent of the hike’s revenue must be allocated to the county’s municipalities.
District Court judge Continued from preceding page
What will be your major accomplishment if you are elected? Landes: To keep the court moving forward in this difficult economic time. I will do this by building the statutorily authorized probation fund (funded by fees paid by offenders on probation) to a point where it can begin to make up for the treatment dollars lost by state budget cuts. With this fund, it is my intent to establish both a mental health and DUI court within district court without incurring costs to the county.
Wood: Allow me to rephrase the question: What will be my mayor accomplishment as judge? I’ll bring voluntary respect, objective listening, fairness, cost effectiveness, efficiency, financial transparency; and, at the same time, I’ll hold offenders accountable in accordance with the law. It will be truly a “just” justice system. Why should voters choose you over your opponent? Landes: I am the only candidate who has the experience of sitting as a district court judge and who has also actively practiced as an attorney in superior court and district court in Jefferson County.
As judge, I hold offenders accountable, treat them equitably, am impartial, and am fiscally efficient while ensuring that the constitutional mandates of due process and equal protection are not eroded due to the budget crises. Wood: If people want things to continue as they are, they’ll vote for the incumbent. If they want healthy change, they’ll vote for me. I’m community–minded, I’ve been a lawyer for 39 years, and I’ve had a long-held passion for justice. I’m compassionate yet unswervingly firm. It will be my deep privilege to serve as district court judge.
sheriff, prosecutor, other public safety services, youth programs, juvenile services, senior services, community centers, public health and basic government services. By law Port Townsend would receive 40% of the revenue. The City would use it for similar purposes including an agreement to dedicate a portion to support county parks and recreation for up to four years. At least onethird (1/3) of all revenue must be allocated for public safety purposes. Should this proposition be: Approved Rejected
Jefferson County has only one qualifying city, Port Townsend. The city and the county have already entered into a distribution agreement for the new funds should Proposition 1 pass. It’s projected to generate about $1 million in new revenues. Of the total, $350,000 will go toward public safety and $400,000 to the city of Port Townsend, although the city’s share is still subject to the 35 percent public safety requirement. The city has agreed to allocate a portion of this new revenue, about $200,000, to the support and maintenance of Memorial Field and the Port Townsend Community Center. In this respect, the county is using the operation of these facilities as the carrot, and the stick is what happens if the measure is not approved. Jim Fritz of Port Townsend characterizes this approach as “blackmail.” “I am in favor of supporting
the sheriff’s department, because it is a very good operation that has a staggering job,” Fritz said. Fritz will probably vote for the measure in order to support the sheriff’s department. George Sickel of Brinnon has a different view. “With the economy the way it is, this is the wrong time to ask for any tax increase,” Sickel said. “I don’t appreciate these threats, that the county will close these community centers if we don’t vote for new taxes,” he said. “The county gives so little money ($126,000) to OlyCAP to run the community centers, and most of the support comes from the community,” Sickel continued. “I think this tax increase is shortsighted and wrong and I am voting against it.” Morley countered that the sales tax hike is a way support endangered programs. “This proposition gives people the opportunity to save specific programs if they think they are important,” he said.
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Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
U. S. C O N G R E S S, 6th D I S T R I C T
Member of Congress Why are you running for this position? Cloud: I want to bring more economic prosperity to the citizens of this district. Restrictions on property use, burdensome taxation, and a never-ending web of regulations have stifled the American economy. When elected, I will endeavor to stop the growth of the federal government and restrain its overstepped influence. I will fight cap-and-trade legislation, seek to repeal nationalization of health care and work to bring more jobs to this district through a revitalized private sector. Dicks: I remain deeply concerned about the challenges faced by people living here on the Peninsula, and I believe that through my experience and my position in the U.S. House, I am uniquely qualified to represent their interests and to help expand economic opportunities for working families. I have worked hard for Elwha River restoration, creating new jobs and restoring salmon runs, and I’m committed to helping this area address all its critical infrastructure needs. Should the Bush tax cuts for people making more that $250,000 a year be allowed to expire? If yes, explain how the cuts will be paid for. If not, defend the tax increase. Cloud: No, the tax cuts should not be allowed to expire. The failure to extend these tax cuts will result in a huge increase in the tax burden on successful small businesses, which provide 70 percent of new jobs. We need new jobs not new taxes. The federal budget must be balanced, and that requires a reduction of spending, not higher taxes. With tax cuts must come spending cuts.
Dicks: I support the Obama administration’s proposal to allow the Bush tax cuts to expire for individuals earning more than $250,000. These are individuals who have not suffered as much during the recession, and I believe the $700 billion savings resulting from letting this portion of the tax cut expire would be an important offset to the budget deficit at this time.
borders, or we will not have a country left. To the extent that citizens are inconvenienced by the increased Border Patrol presence, many of those issues can be resolved through common sense and the professional discretion of our Border Patrol. The resolution of conflict between local citizens and the Border Patrol is a responsibility of your elected congressman.
Do you favor or oppose the new federal health care law? Explain.
Dicks: As a border state representative, I always want to ensure that we are providing the necessary resources to secure our borders. Following continued reports of random vehicle checkpoints and arrests on the Peninsula, I urged the administration to review the effectiveness of its policy and to ensure that civil liberties were being appropriately protected. I will continue to focus on ensuring that our borders are secure and we are using scarce federal resources effectively.
Cloud: I oppose the new federal health care plan. The plan falsely promises more health care for less cost. In reality, the plan will require either rationing of health care or coercion of health care providers to work for less than they would otherwise receive. Ultimately, however, coercion will not work, and the quality of health care will suffer tremendously. We need a free market in the provision of health care services, not more government control. Dicks: I supported the health care reform legislation that will cover 32 million additional Americans, bar insurance companies from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions, allow children to stay on their parents’ insurance plans until age 26 and make it easier to change jobs without losing coverage. I led efforts to reform the Medicare reimbursement system to ensure that doctors on the Peninsula are fairly reimbursed for their services — helping more doctors accept Medicare patients. Do you support or oppose the increase in the Border Patrol on the North Olympic Peninsula? Explain. Cloud: I support the increase of the Border Patrol. We must gain control of our
Give three ways you would serve the needs of the 6th District. Cloud: I support lower taxation, less regulation and less government control of our lives. This will allow the 6th District to finally develop the private-sector jobs that have been lacking in this district for many years. This will benefit citizens and local governments. Unlike the incumbent, I will not be influenced to support legislation that is detrimental to the country and the district in return for campaign contributions or political influence. Dicks: Job creation remains my top priority. I’m working to ensure that Boeing has a fair shot at winning the refueling tanker bid, which will support thousands of good jobs in Washington. Turn
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Norm Dicks
Doug Cloud
Residence: Belfair
Residence: Tacoma
Phone: 253-272-5884
Phone: 253-627-3133
E-mail: norm@normdicks.com Age: 69 Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Washington, 1963; law degree, University of Washington School of Law, 1968 Occupation: U.S. congressman Campaign website: www.normdicks.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Yes, I am the current representative of the 6th Congressional District in the House of Representatives. Party preference: Democratic Party
E-mail: doug@dougcloud.com Age: 53 Education: University of Washington, Bachelor of Arts in economics, 1980; law degree, University of Washington, 1983 Occupation: Attorney Campaign website: www.dougcloud.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? No. Party preference: Republican Party
Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
For the election ending November 2, 2010
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U.S. Congress, 6th District Continued from preceding page
We also must protect our valuable natural resources: improving our national parks, protecting Puget Sound and Hood Canal and restoring our salmon runs. I’ll continue to support programs for our military servicemembers, veterans and their families – including a new clinic for Peninsula-area veterans.
About the job U.S. House of Representatives 6th Congressional District Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan
Senator
Term: Two years
What’s your position on government earmarks, or “pork”?
General election boundaries: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Kitsap counties, and part of Tacoma in Pierce County.
Cloud: Government earmarks have been abused tremendously by incumbent congressmen such as Norm Dicks. He uses our taxes to buy votes. Mr. Dicks should be held accountable for his behavior in this regard. Mr. Dicks’ record is one of supporting earmarks for campaign contributors or earmarks that benefit his family. This needs to stop immediately. This misallocation of our resources is killing the economy and undermining our country.
Voters: 378, 674. The breakdown: Pierce, 172,027; Kitsap, 70,151; Clallam, 45,805; Grays Harbor, 35,645; Mason, 33,347; Jefferson, 21,699.
Dicks: Members of Congress have a duty to fight for initiatives that create jobs and bring needed improvements to their districts. Local infrastructure projects, such as the Gateway Transit Center project, Northwest Maritime Center and Olympic Discovery Trail have created jobs and have lasting benefits for this area. I have supported efforts to make the congressional appropriations process much more open and transparent — ensuring full public disclosure of any
U. S. S E N A T E
Compensation: $174,000 yearly salary, with annual cost-ofliving increases. House members receive health and retirement benefits under the same plans available to other federal employees. Members can participate in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System. Duties: The 435 members of the House of Representatives draft bills and vote to enact federal laws. All congressional spending bills are initiated in the House. House members elect the president in Electoral College deadlocks. The House has the power to initiate presidential impeachment proceedings, while the Senate conducts impeachment trials. expenditure requested by members of Congress. Why should voters choose you over your opponent? Cloud: Being a lifetime resident in this district as well as a lawyer and economist has provided me with a thorough understanding of the citizens and the problems of this district. I will not be subservient to
Achievement and success on the North Olympic Peninsula.
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Peninsula Daily News
politically self-proclaimed elite whose emphasis on government economic planning, restrictions on individual freedom and wealth redistribution has nearly destroyed our economy and future prosperity. Mr. Dicks’ use of earmarks is a form of corruption that has imperiled our country. Dicks: I have a proven record of results representing the people of this area in Congress. As a strong advocate for working families, I’ve fought to spur job growth and protect our local economy. I have fought to improve our national parks, including Olympic National Park, as well as to protect Puget Sound and our salmon runs. Knowing the values important to people here on the Peninsula, I’ll continue to fight hard in Congress for these priorities.
Why are you running for this position? Murray: I love being a voice for you in the U.S. Senate. Every day, I get up and go to work to help people and solve problems for Washington state. As your U.S. senator, I’ve voted to cut taxes for the middle class, and I’ve fought for the Peninsula’s needs, like ferry service and broadband internet infrastructure. I’m proud of what we’ve done, and I need your vote to keep fighting in Washington, D.C. Rossi: America is in trouble. Families are worried about basic needs, and unemployment is near 9 percent in Washington. We must get the economy on track, get people to work. The failed stimulus and other spending have harmed our longterm prosperity by adding to our debt. If we don’t act, future generations will be worse off. We must start worrying about the workers and employers who build the economy instead of wasteful politicians and special interests. Should the Bush tax cuts for people making more that $250,000 a year be allowed to expire? If yes, explain how the cuts will be paid for. If not, defend the tax increase. Murray: These are tough times for Washington state families, and I will always be on the side of the working moms and dads who are struggling to make ends meet. I strongly support tax relief for the middle class and our small businesses For eight years, we asked our middle class and our children to
Candidates’ profiles on opposite page take on more than their fair share to pay for cuts for the rich. It is time to bring fairness to the middle class, and start paying down our debt. Rossi: Lower taxes promote economic growth and job creation. When individuals and small businesses invest more money into the economy, everyone benefits. Recently, Congress raised taxes to finance increases in government spending. That’s not how to grow the economy. We have to make permanent the 2001 and 2003 tax relief, which helped grow the economy, repeal the death tax, and lower the tax rates paid by our job creators. Do you favor or oppose the new federal health care law? Explain. Murray: Last year alone, 10,000 Washington state residents wrote to tell me that our health care system was broken and they were suffering. We had to do something. While it isn’t perfect, thanks to the new law, children with preexisting conditions can see a doctor, your kids can stay on your insurance until age 26 and seniors are getting help paying for their prescriptions. And I am committed to continuing to make improvements for all Americans. Rossi: The “reform” passed by Congress was a tax and spend bill. Turn
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For the election ending November 2, 2010
Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
U.S. senator from Washington state ing far from the border . I have been in contact with the Border Patrol and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano inquiring if this is the best use of federal resources. Border Patrol must partner with the community to increase our nation’s security.
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Premiums for families will increase, taxes on the middle class will increase by half a trillion dollars, and seniors will face a $500 billion cut in Medicare. Congress’ health-care “reform” was crafted with special interests, not the American people. We must replace it with proposals that give power to patients and doctors, like allowing Washingtonians to purchase insurance across state lines and common-sense reform. What should be America’s role on the world stage? Murray: America’s actions as a global neighbor and the security of our own country go hand in hand. As we work to get our economy back on track, we can’t neglect the world community. I have worked to strengthen America’s moral leadership on the world stage, build good will and forge new partnerships that will increase our security and our trade opportunities abroad.
Patty Murray
Dino Rossi
Residence: Bothell
Residence: Sammamish
Phone: 206-286-9199
Phone: 425-451-2010
E-mail: patty@pattymurray.com Age: 59 Education: Bachelor’s degree from Washington State University Occupation: U.S. senator, former preschool teacher
Campaign website: www.pattymurray.com Rossi: When America is strong, we are safe. Have you ever held Our men and women in unielective public office, and if form need the tools necessary to so, what? Yes, current U.S. complete their missions and senator, former state senator, return safe. 1989-1993; former Shoreline We have strengthened alliSchool Board member and ances so our friends and our board president potential adversaries know where we stand. Party preference: That includes ensuring victory Democratic Party over global terrorism and completing our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan by listening to the advice of our commanders and ensuring we have a clear plan for victory and sustained peace. state exports, and as new trade agreements are considered, I will How would you generate continue support the strongest more trade opportunities for labor and environmental stanWashington state from the dards possible. Pacific Rim? Rossi: We need to do all that we can to encourage trade and Murray: I have always done everything I could to expand new commerce for Washington state, trade opportunities for Washing- as it is a critical part of our state’s economy. ton state by opening up export I will work to keep taxes modmarkets for Washington state est and restore fair and predictproducts while also pushing for able regulation so that our comthe strongest enforcement of panies can prosper and compete trade agreements. in the global market. I will continue to support Washington businesses are efforts to expand Washington
E-mail: info@dinorossi.com Age: 51 Education: Bachelor’s degree, business management, Seattle University Occupation: Selfemployed, commercial real estate Campaign website: www.dinorossi.com Have you ever held elective public office, and if so, what? Washington state Senate from 1997 through 2003 representing the 5th Legislative District in East King County Party preference: Republican Party
missing a large part of the market share because trade agreements have languished due to lack of leadership. Do you support or oppose the increase in the Border Patrol on the North Olympic Peninsula?
Rossi: Yes, I support taking all measures at our disposal to keep our nation secure. Being a border state, and with rising threats, Washington state should make sure that all precautions and protections are taken to keep our state safe. Give three ways you will serve the needs of Washington state. Murray: I know these are tough times, and you need a representative who will fight for you. That’s why my first priority will continue to be creating jobs for Washington state. Second, I will keep working to crack down on Wall Street and make your savings safe again. And finally, I will never stop fighting to bring your community the resources it needs. Whether it’s broadband or ferries, I will always listen and fight for you. Rossi: ■ Create an environment that encourages private sector job growth ■ Repeal the Reid-Pelosi health-care bill that is a $500 billion tax increase and replace it with something that lowers costs and increases access ■ Stop the out-of-control spending and pay down the deficit and debt so we don’t pass on a crippling debt to our children and grandchildren Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Murray: I stood up for strong Wall Street reform to protect you from big banks gambling with Murray: I have supported your money. increased security along the I fought to bring your communorth border to make sure it does nities good investments and crenot become a route for terrorists. ate jobs here. However, I share concerns My opponent, Dino Rossi, is raised by community members promising to repeal those protecregarding Border Patrol operattions and sit on his hands
About the job U.S. senator Partisan or nonpartisan: Partisan Term: Six years General election boundaries: Statewide Voters: 3,568,527 Compensation: $174,000 yearly salary, with annual cost-of-living increases. Senate members receive health and retirement benefits under the plans available to other federal employees. Members can participate in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System. Duties: The 100 members of the Senate draft bills and vote to enact federal laws. Spending bills are initiated in the House, but exclusive powers held by the Senate include consenting to treaties and confirming appointments of Cabinet secretaries, federal judges and ambassadors and trying impeached federal officials.
instead of working for you. I think that’s wrong. I will always fight to do what’s right for you. I ask for your vote to keep the Peninsula moving forward. Rossi: Voters have a choice: Do they want an 18-year incumbent with a record of taxing, spending and growing government, or someone from a small business background who worked across party lines to balance a budget in the largest deficit in history without raising taxes? America’s future is mortgaged with trillion-dollar deficits, stimulus packages and bailouts. We can’t change direction until we change the political leadership.
Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
For the election ending November 2, 2010
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
Supreme Court justice Council admonished Sanders for touring the state’s sexual predator commitment center on Incumbent state Supreme McNeil Island when many of the Court Justice Richard Sanders inmates had current appeals defeated Bainbridge Island attor- pending. ney Charlie Wiggins in a three“Justice Sanders consistently way primary election in August. votes in favor of cutting costs for As the top two vote-getters, builders at the expense of city both candidates advance to the governments and taxpayers,” Nov. 2 general election because Wiggins wrote on his election Sanders, a Vashon Island resiwebsite. dent, failed to capture more than “Protecting developers takes 50 percent of the vote in the race, priority over environmental conwhich eliminated Pierce County cerns and existing legislation for Superior Court Judge Bryan Justice Sanders.” Chushcoff. Sanders, who in his 15 years Wiggins has attacked Sandon the state’s highest bench, has ers, a self-described libertarian, made several decisions to open both in his judicial decisions and government records, said on his his actions. campaign website that he is a In 2008, Sanders yelled champion of freedom. “tyrant” at then-U.S. Attorney “We have no second-class citiGeneral Michael Mukasey during zens,” Sanders wrote. a black-tie dinner in Washington, He also quoted the state conD.C. stitution, noting that “governSanders later released a state- ments . . . are established to proment saying he was speaking his tect and maintain individual conscience, and he cited inaderights.” quate access to the legal system Sanders, 65, was born in for detainees at Guantanamo Tacoma, grew up in Seattle and Bay and the importance of the attended the University of WashGeneva Conventions. ington. In 2005, the state Judicial He earned his law degree Peninsula Daily News news sources
from the University of Washington School of Law in 1969 and worked 26 years as an attorney before he was elected in 1995 to the Washington Supreme Court. Sanders considers it a privilege to officiate at weddings. “Since coming to the court I’ve married dozens of women, but they always go home with somebody else — their groom,” he joked. Wiggins, 63, the son of an Army warrant officer, attended schools in two states and Venezuela before attending college at Princeton University. He then spent four years in the Army Military Intelligence Corps and later earned his law degree in 1976 from Duke Law School. He worked as an attorney in the Seattle area and in 1995 was appointed to the Division II Court of Appeals, but he lost his position during the next election. He serves on the Washington State Bar Rules Committee and the Disciplinary Board. Sanders has called Wiggins’ criticism of his personal behavior “a campaign of character assassination.”
Richard B. Sanders
Charlie Wiggins
Wiggins notes that in cases where the Supreme Court is divided, Sanders votes in favor of the defendant 94 percent of the time. “By protecting the rights of the accused to this extent, he’s really failing to protect the rights of the public,” Wiggins said. Sanders takes issue with
iggins’ figures, noting that they W exclude unanimous cases and petitions for review. That said, Sanders is unapologetic for “preserving and protecting our individual rights.” “If I’m going to stick up for the rights of some criminal, you know I’m going to stick up for the rights of other people,” Sanders said.
About the job State Supreme Court justice Partisan or nonpartisan: Nonpartisan Primary election boundaries: Washington state Voters: 3,568,527 Term: Six years Compensation: Each of the nine justices on the Washington State Supreme court is paid the same: $164,221 annually. Duties: The Washington State Supreme Court is the court of last resort in Washington. It is based in Olympia in
the Temple of Justice on the state capitol grounds. Nine justices serve on the court; they are elected in nonpartisan elections to serve six-year terms. The court’s duties and responsibilities are defined in Article IV of the Washington State Constitution of 1889. That constitution originally set the number of judges on the court at five, giving the Washington state Legislature the right to change the number of judges from time to time as it deemed advisable. Some 8,500 cases are tried each year before the 143 judges of the Superior Courts of Washington state, the trial court of general jurisdiction. About 3,500 appeals are filed by losing parties claiming that the outcome was the result
of error, either of fact or law, sometimes both. In 2007, the Washington Supreme Court had a total of 1,463 filings. Among those, 98 were from trial courts, 1,120 were from the Court of Appeals, 134 were original actions. To be considered a qualified candidate to serve on the state Supreme Court, a person must be licensed to practice law in Washington. Justices must also retire from service at the end of the calendar year that he or she turns 75, according to the state constitution. The state Legislature is given the leeway under the constitution to reduce the retirement age to 70 should it see fit to do so. Additionally, justices of the court are
ineligible to serve in any other form of public employment during their term on the court, nor are they allowed to practice law in any Washington state court during their tenure on the Supreme Court. The chief justice serves as the court’s chief spokesperson, presiding over the court’s public hearings and serving as the administrative head of the state’s trial and appellate court system. Up until 1995, the chief justice was determined through a rotation system. In 1995, the voters of the state passed a constitutional amendment changing this system to one in which the chief justice is elected by the other justices. That same amendment changed the term of the chief justice from two to four years.
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Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Initiatives 1053, 1082 ✔ 1053: Eyman pushes two-thirds votes on taxes By Curt Woodward The Associated Press
Initiative activist Tim Eyman’s latest smaller-government campaign is straight from the greatest hits collection: Requiring a two-thirds supermajority for the Legislature to raise taxes. The concept has been supported by Washington voters multiple times in ballot measures over the years. It also has been suspended by state lawmakers when tight budgets push them to raise taxes, as majority Democrats did earlier this year. With the economy still stagnant, voters feeling uneasy and the state budget continuing to hemorrhage revenue, Eyman and his business supporters see a perfect opportunity to reinstate those roadblocks. Initiative 1053 would make state tax increases more difficult to impose by forcing the Legislature to get a two-thirds majority vote, rather than the simple majority required for most legislation.
Voters could be asked Lawmakers also could send taxes to the ballot for simplemajority approval by voters. Supporters point to this year’s $770 million package of tax hikes from the Democrat-led Legislature and Gov. Chris Gregoire, part of the solution to a $2.8 billion deficit in the roughly $30 billion state general fund budget. Those tax hikes would have been impossible under I-1053, as Democrats had to suspend the two-thirds hurdle before moving ahead with lower majorities to raise taxes. “They were never debating whether to increase taxes. They were debating ‘Which taxes do we increase, and how much do
Proposed by Initiative Petition Initiative Measure No. 1053 Initiative Measure No. 1053 concerns tax and fee increases imposed by state government. This measure would restate existing statutory requirements that legislative actions raising taxes must be approved by two-thirds legislative majorities or receive voter approval, and that new or increased fees require majority legislative approval. Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes No we increase them?’” Eyman said. “That’s not what voters want. They want tax increases to be the last resort.” Some of I-1053’s supporters also are looking to protect themselves during next year’s legislative session, when Olympia will be grappling with yet another major budget deficit tied to the Great Recession. A prime example is the oil industry, which blocked an attempt by environmentalists earlier this year to raise taxes on refineries. Oil companies have given about $280,000 combined to the two committees supporting I-1053. A wide range of other business interests have joined in the cause, including restaurateurs, real estate agents, banks, forest products companies and farmers. As in his recent campaigns, Eyman also loaned I-1053 $250,000 to get the expensive signature-gathering phase of the campaign under way.
Signature-gathering Overall, supporters have spent more than $940,000, according to the latest figures from the state Public Disclosure Commission. Most of that has gone toward signature-gathering costs to get the measure on the ballot. The money is spread between two campaign committees, one tied to Eyman’s ongoing initia-
tive operation and the other the Association of Washington Business. Opponents of I-1053 are waging a “no” campaign on a relatively shoestring budget, with about $125,000 raised and very little spent so far. Most of the money comes from labor unions and and hospitals. But some liberal advocates have put together a combined public-education effort to oppose several initiatives and enact their own preferred ballot measures: an income tax on the wealthy and a debt-financed program of energy efficiency upgrades at public buildings. Opponents stress that I-1053 will allow a small slice of the Legislature to overthrow the usual principle of majority rule, an effect they call undemocratic. Critics also argue the concept is legally problematic, since the state constitution says most legislation is passed by a simple majority vote. “It basically ties the hands of the Legislature and allows a small minority to take control of the budget. It’s not as the constitution intended it,” said Celia Schorr, spokeswoman for the opposition campaign. Opponents also point out that the measure would make it tougher for the Legislature to roll back any tax breaks that are on the books, since that would be defined as a tax increase under the measure.
✔ 1082: Voters asked to reform workers’ comp Peninsula Daily News news sources
Washington voters will vote on whether to allow private-sector competition to provide an alternative to the state-run industrial insurance system known as workers’ compensation. The Building Industry Association of Washington, insurance companies and business lobbies, which have raised $1.37 million for the campaign, are backing the measure, I-1082. The BIAW and Liberty Mutual Group, a Delaware-based insurance company, have spent $500,000 each in support of the initiative. But the measure has its opponents, including state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and state Auditor Brian Sonntag, both Democrats, labor unions and trial lawyers.
Proposed by Initiative Petition Initiative Measure No. 1082 Initiative Measure No. 1082 concerns industrial insurance. This measure would authorize employers to purchase private industrial insurance beginning July 1, 2012; direct the Legislature to enact conforming legislation by March 1, 2012; and eliminate the worker-paid share of medical-benefit premiums. Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes No
insurance since 1911, and today is one of only four states that do not allow private competition in this industry. If passed, it would “authorize employers to purchase private Two campaigns industrial insurance beginning Two campaigns, Stop InsurJuly 1, 2012; direct the Legislaance Industry Takeover and No ture to enact conforming legislaon 1082, have raised about $1.8 tion by March 1, 2012; and elimimillion. nate the worker-paid share of Supporters say a private medical-benefit premiums.” option would lower insurance Currently, businesses and rates by adding competition to workers must pay into the state’s the market. Worker Compensation Fund or This year, they note, the state prove they are financially solvent Department of Labor and Indus- enough to self-insure. tries, which administers the Private insurance companies, workers’ compensation fund, which would be regulated by the raised premium rates 7.6 perstate’s insurance commissioner, cent, costing numerous busiwill capture about half the indusnesses thousands of dollars. trial insurance market by 2013, Opponents call I-1082 a giveaccording to the state’s Office of away to the insurance industry, Financial Management. claiming it guts regulations on According to Initiative 1082’s insurance and leaves small busi- text, the goals of the measure are nesses vulnerable to rate to: increases. ■ Maintain existing benefit If it passes, I-1082 would over- levels for injured workers while turn laws in place since the early improving their opportunity to decades of Washington statehood. return to work. The state has had a governTurn to next page ment-run monopoly for industrial
Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
For the election ending November 2, 2010
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
Initiatives 1082, 1098 tive, state Sen. Jeanne KohlWelles, D-Seattle, chair of the Senate Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee, and Rep. Steve Conway, D-Tacoma, her counterpart in the Continued from preceding page House, call I-1082 “a shining example of how the citizen’s initiative process has been co-opted ■ Eliminate the requirement by special interests.” that workers pay one-half of The initiative, they said, their medical coverage for on-thewould force small business ownjob injuries. ers and state and local govern■ Open up the current statements to pay the share of workrun industrial insurance system ers’ compensation premiums now to competition from private paid by employees. industrial insurance providers, “Even the proponents of with a July 1, 2012, start date for I-1082 say this change will cost an open market. small businesses $315 million. It ■ Maintain a “best practices” comes at a uniquely bad time, approach to worker safety as and with our state just now developed by both private and beginning to make some headpublic sectors. way after a horrible recession,” Labor and Industries Kohl-Welles wrote for The Seattle Times. For decades, Washington’s She and Conway said higher industrial insurance system has education and local governments been run solely by the state Department of Labor and Indus- would suffer by paying more, as will local fire districts. tries, or L&I. Only a relatively small numHybrid system ber of businesses, often large firms, self-insure. Initiative 1082 would convert The vast majority of Washing- Washington’s industrial insurton’s businesses are forced to do ance model from a fully state-run business with the state, which system into the hybrid system, has created a fractious relationwhich most states currently ship. have. “I personally yearn for the day As of mid-2010, 15 states have when the mammoth state a public/private hybrid model; 31 Department of Labor and Indus- have the private-only option. tries is closed down, windows Washington, Ohio, North shuttered, with weeds growing Dakota and Wyoming are the all over its sprawling campus,” only states with a fully public Tom McCabe, BIAW executive model. vice president, wrote earlier this In 1971, Washington allowed year in the publication Building companies to self-insure their Insight. work force, but the qualifications Two opponents of the initiato become eligible to self-insure are so strict that only large companies can afford the option. Who’s playing? That totals to fewer than 400 companies statewide, according John Nelson’s “Live Music” column tells to the Center for Public Policy, in you. an analysis of I-1082. By comparison, the state-run Thursdays in L&I fund covers 168,000 employPeninsula ers that employ 2.4 million workDaily News ers.
✔ 1082: Goals of privatizing workers’ comp
✔ 1098: Wealthy would be subject to income tax By Curt Woodward The Associated Press
The state that produced America’s richest man has never taken a cut of its residents’ income. Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates and his father would like to change that. They are among the wealthy Washingtonians who have joined labor unions and other traditional Democratic allies to support a tax-the-rich ballot measure that is dividing the state’s business leaders. Executives at Microsoft, Amazon.com and other technology companies have come out against it. The initiative will test whether voters are willing to buck economic jitters and drain money from their rich neighbors at a time when national Democrats and Republicans have been waging an intense election-year battle over the merits of taxing the wealthy. Washington’s measure, known as Initiative 1098, would institute a new state tax on the top 1 percent of incomes to pay for education and health programs while trimming state property and business taxes. The campaign follows January’s overwhelming decision by Oregon voters to increase taxes for corporations and wealthier households.
Public face While his famous son’s public support has so far been quiet, Bill Gates Sr., a prominent Seattle lawyer, helped to draft Washington’s income tax initiative and is the public face of the campaign. In recent TV ad, the elder Gates is knocked into a dunk tank by softball-tossing children — a playful approach to the idea
Proposed by Initiative Petition Initiative Measure No. 1098 Initiative Measure No. 1098 concerns establishing a state income tax and reducing other taxes. This measure would tax “adjusted gross income” above $200,000 (individuals) and $400,000 (joint-filers), reduce state property tax levies, reduce certain business and occupation taxes, and direct any increased revenues to education and health. Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes No that the measure will “soak the rich.” Gates counters by highlighting the billions of dollars the income tax would generate for education and health care programs. “It’s really about doing something for the next generation,” Gates says before taking the plunge. The initiative sets out two tax brackets. The first rate is 5 percent on the portion of adjusted gross income higher than $400,000 for couples, or $200,000 for individuals. For joint incomes above $1 million, the tax would be $30,000 plus 9 percent on earnings over the threshold. Single-earners above $500,000 would pay $15,000 plus 9 percent of income above the threshold. State officials say I-1098 would raise more than $2 billion annually from fewer than 40,000 households, or 1.2 percent of Washingtonians filing federal returns.
national Union. Individual donors include Gates Sr., who has given $500,000, and venture capitalist Nick Hanauer, who has donated $250,000. But plenty of big-name business leaders are unhappy with the idea. Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer each have donated $100,000 to the $4 million opposition campaign, which also has drawn contributions from Russell Investments, Paccar Inc., software billionaire Charles Simonyi and members of the Nordstrom family. Opponents stress that state lawmakers could lower the income thresholds with a simple majority vote two years after the initiative is enacted, and point out that state officials routinely raid “dedicated” spending accounts in lean years. They also add that, in a time of terribly slow job growth, taking more money from entrepreneurs and businesspeople could seriously crimp the state’s economic rebound. One of seven states The privacy of tax returns Washington is one of seven makes it impossible to say how states without a personal income much the state’s marquee busitax. ness names might pay under the The $4.3 million “yes” caminitiative, but the tax would paign is bankrolled largely by apply to personal earnings from labor unions, particularly those partnerships, shares in small correpresenting government porations, capital gains and other employees — more than $1.7 mil- non-salary sources of income. lion has come from various arms Turn to next page of the Service Employees Inter-
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For the election ending November 2, 2010
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A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Initiatives 1098, 1100, 1105 ✔ 1098: State’s rich clash over income tax plan
parked it in, or as jet fuel in our private planes,” Hanauer said. “It’s just nuts.”
Populist appeal
Liberals have been hoping the Continued from preceding page measure’s populist appeal would help drive friendly turnout in a political year that could be brutal Right now, Washington’s lack for Democrats. of income tax can be a major But voters don’t appear wildly recruitment point for businesses enthusiastic. and talent looking to relocate, said Joe Barer, president of manA recent survey by indepenagement consulting firm Lake dent Seattle pollster Stuart Partners. Elway pegged support for the “I don’t think people come income tax initiative essentially here just for the weather,” said tied with the opposition, 44 perBarer, who has donated to the cent to 42 percent. The poll of opposition campaign. 500 likely voters had a margin of “I’ve personally recruited peo- sampling error of about 4.5 perple, and part of the pitch is, ’Yes cent. it’s a great place to live — and High-profile politicians also we have no income tax.”’ have been reluctant to particiHanauer, one of the earliest pate in the debate, probably Amazon.com investors and because the public appears so founder of the online ad company uncertain. aQuantive, sees the economics For instance, the initiative has differently. not been an issue in the state’s In his judgment, the kind of top election contest, a heated wealth at stake in the initiative race between Democratic Sen. could do far more good for the Patty Murray and Republican economy by bankrolling public challenger Dino Rossi. school teachers and other vital Income tax measures have services. been attempted over the years in “If you look at the money that Washington with little success. somebody like me — or Jeff Voters have defeated attempts Bezos or Steve Ballmer — where to amend the state constitution our cash flow goes, it’s crazy to for a state income tax, most assert that the highest and best recently in 1973, and the topic use is in our bank accounts, or in has often been considered a politthe hedge funds that we’ve ical loser since then.
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✔ 1100, 1105: Is it last call for state liquor stores? By Rachel La Corte The Associated Press
The battle over Washington state’s two liquor privatization ballot measures has drawn millions of dollars from out of state, mostly from beer wholesalers opposed to efforts to shake up the current alcohol distribution system. Initiatives 1100 and 1105 would both abolish the state’s current monopoly on liquor distribution and sales in favor of private businesses. But I-1100 — backed by Costco Wholesale Corp. and other large retailers — goes further. It would eliminate price controls and other regulations, such as bans against volume discounts and paying on credit, that exist for beer and wine distribution and sales. Some of those have been in place since the 1930s. Retailers with licenses to sell beer and wine would be eligible to add a liquor license, and they would gain the ability to buy beer, wine and spirits directly from manufacturers instead of going through distributors.
Three-tier system Those changes disrupt the current three-tier system — producers, distributors and retailers — in which retailers generally are required to use distributors. Of the $8.4 million raised in opposition to I-1100 and 1105, more than $5.4 million has come from sources in more than 30 other states, including many state beer or beer and wine wholesale groups. The two biggest donors, at $2.4 million apiece, come from the Washington, D.C.-based Beer Institute, and the Virginia-based National Beer Wholesalers Association. The national wholesalers group represents about 25 dis-
Proposed by Initiative Petition Initiative Measure No. 1100 Initiative Measure No. 1100 concerns liquor (beer, wine and spirits). This measure would close state liquor stores; authorize sale, distribution, and importation of spirits by private parties; and repeal certain requirements that govern the business operations of beer and wine distributers [sic] and producers. Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes No Proposed by Initiative Petition Initiative Measure No. 1105 Initiative Measure No. 1105 concerns liquor (beer, wine and spirits). This measure would close all state liquor stores and license private parties to sell or distribute spirits. It would revise laws concerning regulation, taxation and government revenues from distribution and sale of spirits. Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes No tributors in Washington state, said Craig Purser, the group’s president. The current three-tier system is necessary to promote a level playing field, he said. “We see this as a really bad way to privatize,” Purser said. “There are a number of our companies and a number of our employees who are very, very concerned.” If I-1100 passes in Washington, other states that have the initiative process — control and license states alike — could potentially face similar ballot measures that make changes to distribution laws. “That is certainly a concern,” said Mike Lashbrook, president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, which has given $25,000 to the “no” campaign. Ashley Bach, a spokesman for the Yes on I-1100 campaign, said retailers and wineries and brewer-
ies will likely still use distributors. But big stores like Costco that already have their own distribution system will no longer be required to pay for a service they don’t need.
Power transfer “It’s going to transfer a little bit of the power away from the distributors,” he said, but “it’s not like distributors are going to go away.” The distributors are joined by a wide coalition of groups that are fighting the privatization effort, saying that the measures will hurt everything from the state budget to public safety to small businesses, including the state’s wine and beer industry. “This is really bad public policy,” said Sandeep Kaushik, a spokesman for the No on I-1100/1105 campaign. “They’re too risky and they go too far.” Turn
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Election Guide
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
Initiatives 1100, 1105, 1107 ✔ 1100, 1105: Initiatives differ over distribution Continued from preceding page Washington is among 18 so-called “control” or “monopoly” states that exercise broad powers over wholesale distribution of hard liquor. Of those states, 12 — including Washington — are also involved in retail alcohol sales through either state-run liquor stores, outlets operated by private contractors, or both.
The other initiative I-1105, which is opposed by the I-1100 campaign, would keep in place state laws that protect beer and wine distributors — which are the main financial supporters of I-1105. The measure would also keep in place prohibitions on bulk discounts for beer and wine but would allow them for sales of hard liquor. Bellevue-based Odom Southern Holdings and Los Angeles-based Youngs Market Co. have raised more than $2.2
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million for the I-1105 campaign, but that effort spent most of its money qualifying for the ballot, and hasn’t raised any money since July. Both are members of the Washington Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, which has given nearly $2 million to the No on I-1100/1105 campaign. The I-1100 campaign has raised more than $3 million, with more than $1.3 million coming from Issaquah-based Costco. That campaign also has the support of the Washington Restaurant Association, the Northwest Grocery Association and the Association of Washington Business.
Opposition coalition A coalition of several groups oppose the liquor privatization initiatives, including unions, the Washington state Council of Firefighters, and several craft breweries and wineries. A TV ad that the opposition group has been running raises concerns about public safety if the number of liquor stores in the state increase, showing crumpled cars and emergency responders. Opponents — including Gov. Chris Gregoire — also stress the potential loss of revenue to state and local coffers, because of the elimination of the liquor markup imposed by the state. I-1105 would also remove all additional liquor taxes, which the Legislature would have to restore to reduce the financial hit to state and local governments. While the liquor privatization debate hasn’t been able to gain traction in Washington state until this year’s initiative measures, the state Legislature has already made several changes to the three-tier system over the years, including allowing brewers and wineries to sell directly to consumers, and allowing retailers to buy directly
from wineries and brewers. Paul Beveridge, owner of Wilridge Winery in Seattle and president of Family Wineries of Washington, said he supports I-1100 because he’s tired of slowly having to get piecemeal changes done by the Legislature. “Every time someone has a new idea about how to sell Washington wine, they need to go to the Legislature and ask for permission,” Beveridge said. “It’s limiting my economic growth.” There’s a split in the state’s wine industry on the measures, with the Washington Wine Institute coming out strongly against I-1100 but taking no position on I-1105. The state’s largest winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, has taken a neutral position in the debate.
Craft breweries Many craft breweries have come out against both initiatives. At a recent craft beer festival in Tacoma, several of the vendors had No on I-1100/1105 signs hanging at their booths. Heather McClung, owner of Schooner Exact Brewing Co. in Seattle and president of the Washington Brewer’s Guild, said the only consumers who will see price benefits for liquor and beer will be those who shop at Costco and other big box stores, because the smaller stores won’t be able to benefit from the volume discounts. “If you look at the economic coalition, who is it really benefiting?” she asked. Anne McGrath, a spokeswoman for the Washington Wine Institute, said such a sweeping change to the distribution laws was concerning to several wineries that don’t know how their bottom line will be affected under dramatic changes. I-1100 goes further than any other wine-producing state, she said, adding, “We hate to be an experiment.”
✔ 1107: Tax on candy, other food items questioned By Rachel La Corte The Associated Press
Washington state consumers started paying more for soda, candy and gum this year amid a nationwide push to impose higher taxes on sugary foods. But the soft drink industry is fighting back. The industry has spent more than $14 million and counting to overturn the state tax in a November ballot measure, hoping to stop the movement dead in its tracks here and send a powerful message to states contemplating similar efforts. Several states considered raising taxes on candy and soda this year, but those efforts only gained traction in Colorado and Washington. Congress briefly considered a soda tax as part of health care reform, but the idea was dropped after heavy lobbying and spending by the soda industry and other groups. Opponents of the Washington tax responded by gathering enough signatures to get a measure on the ballot seeking to overturn the law.
Proposed by Initiative Petition Initiative Measure No. 1107 Initiative Measure No. 1107 concerns reversing certain 2010 amendments to state tax laws. This measure would end sales tax on candy; end temporary sales tax on some bottled water; end temporary excise taxes on carbonated beverages; and reduce tax rates for certain food processors. Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes No
comprises a coalition of unions, community health groups and other advocacy groups, has raised only about $340,000. The American Beverage Association refused several interview requests by The Associated Press. But Tim Martin, the president of Harbor Pacific Bottling in Elma, said that while the money is coming from out of state, it’s representing thousands of state businesses like his who are memSoft drink lobby bers of the national association The American Beverage Asso- and are affected by the new ciation, whose members include taxes. Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc. and “I don’t think any industry Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc., should be singled out for targeted has played a big role in the effort, taxes,” he said. demonstrating yet again the “When you start picking out political muscle of the soft drink different industries or different lobby. products to tax, then where does “This is about large soda com- it stop?” panies coming into our state and More than 30 states have trying to get a tax break,” said some form of soda tax, averaging Celia Schorr, spokeswoman for about 5 cents per dollar of soda. the No on I-1107 campaign. Raising those taxes has “I really, really doubt that the become a popular option for lawAmerican Beverage Association makers as they face giant deficits put more than $14 million in and get the added benefit of disWashington because they’re wor- couraging people from consuming ried about how much Washingto- unhealthy foods. nians pay in taxes.” Turn to next page The “no” campaign, which
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For the election ending November 2, 2010
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
Initiative 1107, Referendum 52 ✔ 1107: Tax on candy, other food items up for vote Continued from preceding page But the industry has made clear it will fight all soda tax efforts. At a conference held by trade publication Beverage Digest this summer, the chief financial officer of Coca-Cola said the soft drink industry has to work together to make sure proposed soda taxes never come to pass. Gary Fayard said that even though shoppers will continue to buy soft drinks if the price goes up, the industry’s profits would be hurt. “We’re an easy target as an industry, and this is one where we’re all going to have to pull together and work diligently because it’s a threat,” Fayard said. In July, Washington bottlers started paying a 2-cent excise tax per 12-ounce bottle or can, with the first $10 million of business exempted from the tax.
Tax increase Martin said the tax increase simply gets passed down to customers, who ultimately pay more than 2 cents extra per can of soda. In addition to the soda tax, candy and gum is now subject to the state’s 6.5 percent sales tax, with a tax credit tied to jobs for candy manufacturers with employees in the state. Bottled water is also now subject to the sales tax. Business and occupation taxes were also raised on the makers of some processed foods. The taxes are expected to bring the state $352 million over five years, with local governments set to receive about $89 million over that same time. I-1107 seeks to repeal the tax
on carbonated beverages and bottled water, the sales tax on candy and gum, and to reduce business and occupation rates for some food processors. At a downtown Olympia coffee shop recently, 76-year-old Joe Michel said he hadn’t yet decided how he would vote. Michel said that he’s not necessarily opposed to increasing taxes, but he said he thought it was odd how candy is defined under the new tax. Anything that lists flour as an ingredient is not taxed as candy. So for example, while Reese’s peanut butter cups are subject to the sales tax, a Kit Kat bar is not. “The details about what’s taxed and what’s not doesn’t really make sense,” Michel said.
Pact with other states State officials said the definition draws from an agreement Washington has with other states covering uniform tax definitions. The expanded taxes were part of a broader tax package lawmakers approved as they worked to balance a $2.8 billion budget deficit while trying to limit cuts to social services and other programs. The House’s key budget writer pointed to across-theboard cuts ordered by Gov. Chris Greogire that recently took effect, including reductions to several programs for the poor and elderly. She said that without the extra taxes, things would be much worse. “If we hadn’t had that extra revenue, we would have made those cuts sooner and they would have been larger,” said Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham. Peter Buller, a 27-year-old student at Evergreen State College, said he would vote against I-1107. “Taxing nonessential items is a totally different beast than taxing things we require,” he said.
✔ 52: Schools would gain better energy efficiency By Phuong Le
The Associated Press
Teachers unions, labor groups and contractors are backing a statewide ballot measure that would issue $505 million in bonds to pay for energy retrofits at public schools and colleges across the state. Referendum 52 authorizes the state to exceed the debt limit in the state constitution for the bonds and continue the sales tax on bottled water set to expire 2013 to pay for improvements. Supporters say the measure will replace aging pipes and heating and cooling systems, install more efficient windows and lighting, and make other energy-efficient improvements. They say it will create jobs, save energy costs over the years and create a healthier learning environment. “We have a lot of old schools in the state,” said Kevin Laverty, a Mukilteo School Board member and president of the Washington State School Directors’ Association, which supports the referendum. “This money is going to go a long way.” Opponents say it will saddle the state with too much debt and won’t create the number of jobs or provide the energy savings that supporters say it will. “R-52 is not going to come through with the results that the proponents think it’s going to,” said Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “It’s like maxing out our credit cards and using it for disposable items, like light bulbs and windows.”
$505 million Under Referendum 52, the state will borrow $505 million by issuing bonds to be repaid from future revenue. Another measure on the November ballot, Initiative 1107, however, would repeal the
Proposed to the People by the Legislature Referendum Bill No. 52 The legislature has passed Engrossed House Bill No. 2561, concerning authorizing and funding bonds for energy efficiency projects in schools. This bill would authorize bonds to finance construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings, and continue the sales tax on bottled water otherwise expiring in 2013. Should this bill be: Approved Rejected bottled water tax. The 29-year debt service will cost $937 million. Public school districts and public higher education institutions will compete for grants to pay for construction projects, and at least 5 percent of the total amount will be awarded to districts with fewer than 1,000 students. Supporters have raised $427,019, with McKinstry Essention, a construction and design company, being R-52’s largest contributor at $52,000. The firm’s chief executive officer, Dean Allen, also gave $25,000, according to the latest state Public Disclosure Commission figures. Other large donations have come from Quantum Engineering, Public School Employees of Washington and the Washington Building and Construction Trades Council.
project,” he added. Supporters say the measure will create 30,000 jobs, a combination of part- and full-time work that last for about a year. Opponents put that number closer to 5,700 short-term jobs. The pro-R52 figure is based on state estimates of 16 jobs created for every $1 million spent in construction, but it also takes into account match money provided local districts as well as money saved from energy efficiencies. Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, who sponsored legislation to put the issue before voters, said the measure will result in millions in energy savings. “Energy is the coming problem and we need jobs and it’s the time to do it,” he said. For Jamie Downing, an English teacher in Yakima County’s Grandview High School, making improvement boils down to a better teaching environment. Some critics She teaches in an old building Although there is no apparent where blown fuses are common, so she and her students have to organized opposition, the Washbe careful about how many lapington Policy Center has been a vocal critic, along with Republican tops or other equipment is plugged in at one time. legislators. The central heating and air “What are we getting for another $1 billion in debt?” asked conditioning system is also old, Todd Myers, the center’s environ- meaning that classroom temperamental director. tures fluctuate regularly; it rarely A similar state program hasn’t gets above 65 degrees in the winlived up to its promises and has ter, she said, and the air condioften resulted in smaller energy tioning is often down during hot savings than projected, he said. days, as it was earlier this week. “Schools that have real needs “The kids were complaining. will see their money go to They’re not wanting to learn. It schools that may have fewer doesn’t make it very comfortable,” needs but have an energy retrofit Downing said.
Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
For the election ending November 2, 2010
21
STATE OF WASHINGTON
HJR 4220, SJR 8225 ✔ 4220: Police killer’s release stirs ballot item Peninsula Daily News news sources
One of the nine statewide measures on the Nov. 2 ballot is ripped right out of the pages of the state’s newspapers last November. Had Maurice Clemmons not killed four Lakewood police officers in cold blood almost a year ago, voters in the Nov. 2 election would not be considering Engrossed Substitute House Joint Resolution 4220, which proposes a constitutional amendment to give judges greater leeway in denying bail to defendants. Clemmons, who had a violent criminal history, faced four felony charges and possibly life in prison when he was bailed out of Pierce County jail on Nov. 23, 2009.
✔ 8225: Debt limit would rise for federal funds Peninsula Daily News news sources
A proposed constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 8225 on the Nov. 2 ballot, proposes redefining “interest” in the state constitution to make state general obligation bonds eligible for a new federal subsidy called “Build America Bonds,” and alter the way in which the state’s debt limit is calculated. State Treasurer Jim McIntire said the measure is worth a quick and simple “yes” to allow Washington access to federal funds for roads, bridges and other projects like other states are already doing. Under Build America Bonds, the federal government pays 35 percent of the interest on taxable state bonds. It is an alternative
Six days later, Clemmons stepped into the Forza Coffee Shop in Lakewood and assassinated Sgt. Mark Renninger and Officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold and Greg Richards. In response, lawmakers are asking voters to amend the state constitution. HJR 4220 requires a simple majority of voters.
Proposed to the People by the Legislature Amendment to the State Constitution Engrossed Substitute House Joint Resolution No. 4220 The legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on denying bail for persons charged with certain criminal offenses. This amendment would authorize courts to deny bail for offenses punishable by the possibility of life in prison, on clear and convincing evidence of a propensity for violence that would likely endanger persons. Should this constitutional amendment be: Approved Rejected
say, ‘No bail,’” said Lindquist. But Seattle University law professor Robert Boruchowitz said amending the state constitution won’t prevent another Lakewood-type shooting. “It’s an overreaction to . . . a tragic event,” Boruchowitz said.
‘Presumed innocent’
In short, passage would allow a judge to deny bail to people charged with an offense punishable by life in prison such as a third-strike felony, rape of a child, murder or other serious crimes. Before denying bail, a judge must also find clear and convincing evidence that the defendant has a propensity for violence and poses a likely danger to the public. Rep. Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens, a veteran Seattle police officer, was one of those who got the amendment started in the Legislature.
“It’s a bad idea because it would expand the number of people in jail, even though they’re presumed innocent.” Boruchowitz said court rules now in place give a judge the ability to keep someone in jail by setting high bail or placing other It would deal with dangerous Pierce County Prosecuting restrictions on a defendant habitual offenders like ClemAttorney Mark Lindquist — who deemed to be dangerous. mons, he said. would have prosecuted the ClemHe also said the language of “You have a person facing a mons case had the killer not him- the amendment is broad and third strike and life in prison and self been killed days later — has ambiguous, with no definition of he’s been arrested,” Hope told joined Gov. Chris Gregoire and “propensity for violence.” The Seattle Times. many in law enforcement to supBut for the measure’s chief “It didn’t make sense he port the amendment. sponsor, Rep. Hope, “this is the would be released into society for “The only solution is the conbiggest, most important piece of a crime spree, knowing he had stitutional amendment coming law enforcement legislation in nothing to lose.” up. The judge should be able to years.”
to making the bonds federally tax-free, and for the state it is a better alternative for short- and medium-term bonds. The direct subsidy allows states to borrow more money to build roads, ferries, buildings and other public works with no extra cost to state taxpayers. To do this, the state must raise the 9 percent limit now built into the constitution, which SJR 8225 proposes to do. The formula for setting the constitutional debt limit, McIntire said, was written assuming that all the interest on bonds in the state would be paid by the
state. No one imagined the federal government would volunteer to pay some of the states’ interest bills, he said. Opponents of SJR 8225, generally Republican lawmakers in the state House and Senate who oppose Obama administration economic recovery policies, note that the state’s constitutional debt limit prevents the state from borrowing more than it can reasonably pay back. They fear that the state could get in credit trouble by lifting the debt limit. A simple majority vote is required to pass the measure.
Bail denial
Proposed to the People by the Legislature Amendment to the State Constitution Senate Joint Resolution No. 8225 The Legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment concerning the limitation on state debt. This amendment would require the state to reduce the interest accounted for in calculating the constitutional debt limit, by the amount of federal payments scheduled to be received to offset that interest. Should this constitutional amendment be: Approved Rejected
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For the election ending November 2, 2010
Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News
Election Guide
For the election ending November 2, 2010
23
G E N E R A L E L E C T I O N ’10
Parting words Why is political advertising so nasty? By Jim Kuhnhenn
The Associated Press
Is anybody fit for office any more? A Florida congressman casts his foe as a religious extremist, “Taliban Dan.” A challenger in West Virginia stresses a lawmaker’s ArabAmerican ancestry as shadowy and foreign. Other candidates are nothing but liars, misers, cheaters, even traitors, judging by the 30-second TV attacks. Deep-pocketed independent political groups are making the 2010 election homestretch the most scathing in years. In the frantic final days before the voting, a blitz of negative ads is hitting the air in more than two dozen tight congressional races. The ads warn that candidates who say they’re on your side actually care more about Arabs or illegal immigrants — take your pick — than about you. And the other guy seeking your vote? Why, he’ll simply make stuff up to get it.
It gets so personal This is personal. But often anonymous. In the past month, candidates, the political parties and outside groups have purchased millions of dollars in commercial time. Of the resulting ads, 60 percent have assailed candidates for their stands on issues or for their character, according to the Campaign Media Analysis Group, which monitors such advertising. Groups operating separately from the parties or the candidates are particularly focused on delivering tough messages. Eighty-nine percent of their ads attack political opponents, according to CMAG. “Everyone has a reason to do
negative ads,” said Evan Tracey, the group’s president. “Challengers do it to get competitive, incumbents do it when they’re worried about losing to challengers. And groups, if they’re running positive spots they’re wasting their money.” And it’s getting tougher out there. An ad airing in Washington state and paid for by a Democratic-leaning group links Republican Senate candidate Dino Rossi to financial scandals. Another, in New Mexico portrays Rep. Harry Teague, a Democrat, as a disagreeable, moneypinching boss. In Colorado, Republican Senate candidate Ken Buck, a prosecutor, is accused of being soft on an illegal gun dealer. And so it goes.
Program notes Some ads are indirect. One in New Mexico almost requires program notes to follow the cast of characters. GOP gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez, a county district attorney, ran one ad targeting a teacher who appeared in an earlier National Education Association ad critical of her candidacy. Turns out, Martinez’s office had prosecuted the teacher’s husband, now serving a 23-year sentence on a kidnapping charge. Martinez put those facts into her own ad. The NEA ad “looks different now, doesn’t it,” Martinez says into the camera. In Louisiana, Democratic Rep. Charlie Melancon, eager to boost his flagging effort to unseat Republican Sen. David Vitter, aired a rare two-minute ad, filmed in the style of a docudrama, that recounts the discovery of Vitter’s phone number in the logs of a Washing-
The Associated Press
A campaign advertisement from a race in western Florida uses the Gulf oil spill to attempt a point. ton, D.C., escort service. With a galvanized Republican electorate, a Democratic administration seeking to invigorate its base, incumbents concerned about survival and challengers energized to kick them out, there’s a reason it’s so disagreeable out there: Tough ads work. They fire up partisans, provide more information than feelgood ads, and while they might turn off some independent voters they also help undecideds make up their minds. “Folks like to complain about negativity,” said Erika Fowler, an assistant professor of government and director of Wesleyan University’s Media Project. “That said, we do tend to see movement in places where there is negativity.”
Ma, where’s my Pa?” Supporters had the last laugh when he won: “Gone to the White House. Ha, ha, ha.” These days, most negative ads go after candidates for past votes or statements on relevant issues. But a broad range of contests are for open seats without incumbents, leading campaigns to look for foibles, missteps or worse to exploit. Challengers and the party that is out of power are more likely to launch negative ads. Democrats did that in 2006, and captured control of the House and Senate. This year, Republicans hope to return the favor and are casting Democrats as big government spenders who have been unable to fix the economy. But Democrats, facing a tough political environment, are fighting back. It has history They portray Republicans as It’s a time-honored practice advocates of privatizing Social with a vicious history. Security, they blame Republicans Allies of John Quincy Adams for sending jobs overseas and printed handbills accusing they have taken past statements Andrew Jackson of executing six by tea party candidates to pormilitiamen in 1813 without tray them as far out of the maincause. Jackson’s wife was accused stream. of being an adulteress. “Here in the end game, voters Grover Cleveland was mocked are seeing a lot of advertising, as the father of a child out of they’re seeing a lot of free press, wedlock with the slogan, “Ma, and they get to compare the two
candidates and that’s good for us,” said Democratic strategist Jim Jordan, who is running his own negative ads against Republicans. All this leads to a relentless tit for tat. Consider the Senate race in Nevada. It pits the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, against Sharron Angle, a Republican former state legislator backed by the tea party. Reid has been persistently casting Angle’s views as extreme. Angle has fought back vigorously. She recently took to the air with an ad casting Reid as a supporter of “illegal aliens” with black and white images of young Latino-looking men lurking near fences or staring menacingly at the camera. The narrator intones: “What does Harry Reid have against you?”
Ethnic subtext In another effort with an ethnic subtext, a group called the West Virginia Conservative Foundation is airing an ad that emphasizes Democratic Rep. Nick Rahall’s Arab-American ancestry and his support of President Barack Obama. The ad plays a clip of Rahall, whose family is Lebanese, discussing his efforts to enlist fellow Arab-Americans to support Obama as a presidential candidate. As the clip fades, the ad tells viewers to call Rahall and “tell him to stand with West Virginians.” To be sure, ads aren’t meant to be fair. Democrats use clips of Republicans calling for changes in Social Security but edit out caveats that say no change should affect current recipients. Likewise, Republicans accuse Democrats of cutting Medicare but don’t mention that the cuts are over 10 years and represent a small fraction of Medicare spending. “Context,” Tracey said, “is the job of the other guy.”
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For the election ending November 2, 2010
Election Guide
A public service of the Peninsula Daily News