What I missed in assessing the Republican Strategy for Winning in 2016

In a piece I wrote in June 2016 titled, The GOP's Strategy for Winning Hearts and Minds, and the 2016 Election, I wrote that Republicans worked at winning the 2016 Presidential Election from the day Barack Obama won the 2008 election. That was accurate. Republicans turned 'loyal opposition' into outright obstructionism. Their thinking was that if nothing worked, if policies weren't promulgated, if laws weren't passed, if vacancies weren't filled, it would thwart Obama's "liberal agenda," and as a bonus, make Americans become disillusioned with government. When that happened, voters would be less likely to turn out for elections. That would favor Republicans, as it has historically, and as it did, ultimately putting the "Grand Old Party" back in control of both the House and the Senate.

But they needed to do more to win the Presidency

The RNC made it their mission to reach out to "low information, low propensity" registered Republicans, who made up some 35% of the Republican base and generally didn't vote. They made a concerted, heavily-funded get out the vote (GOTV) effort through direct, personal contact -- these folks didn't do social media. In my 2016 post I identified some of the organizations they reached out to on this. Click on these hyperlinks and be amazed.

UNIFIED PATRIOTS

REDSTATE

THE PRECINCTS PROJECT

US PRECINCT PROJECT

Uniting the Right Wing Base

The Republican strategy also involved uniting the right-wing base, which consisted of a plethora of single-issue factions (like the Democrats, actually), including:

National Rifle Association (NRA), Gun Owners of America (GOA), other gun groups, and militia organizations.

The Tea Party, which had split into the Tea Party Patriots, Tea Party Nation, Tea Party Express, and unaffiliated voters who call themselves Tea Partiers.

The 9-12 Project (an Ayn Rand sort of group with god thrown in for good measure). Their principles included, "Government cannot force me to be charitable."

Smart Girl Politics Action (SGPA) This organization began with the mission to "engage, educate, and empower conservative women to get involved in the political process." The RNC didn't think they'd have to do much to entice them into the fold, but they began to worry when Trump became the nominee. They needn't have worried. Trump won 53% of the vote of white women -- not Republican white women -- all white women voters. Digest that.

SarahPAC.com was Sarah Palin's personal money making venture designed to capitalize on what she termed "her historic endorsement of Donald Trump." Palin's fund-raising message to prospective donors was that she supported "anti-establishment" candidates, but the RNC wasn't particular. If they could latch on to Sarah's "momma grizzlies," they'd use their money and voter network and nominate who they damn well felt like nominating. Of course things didn't quite turn out the way they hoped.

Grassfire a very social media centric group, which the RNC used it to network with the organizations outlined above.

Evangelical Christians. In the 2014 midterm elections, white evangelicals or born-again Christians made up 26 percent of the electorate and 78% of them voted for Republican candidates. During the primaries, a plurality of self-identified white evangelicals voted for Trump (40%), while the majority split their votes between Ted Cruz (34%), Marco Rubio (11%), and John Kasich (10%). The RNC's challenge was to unify that voting block behind their presumptive nominee. It wasn't a problem once Trump promised to rollback the last half century of progress made on women's reproductive rights ("Two Corinthians" notwithstanding). Evangelicals continue to stand firmly with Trump, as I write about here.

The laying on of hands

AsaMom mission was, "to empower Moms and Moms at Heart in preserving our Constitution, country and children’s future." The RNC had to convince this voting block that Donald Trump was only kidding when he said it doesn't matter what the media said, "as long as you have a beautiful piece of ass with you." The Access Hollywood video surfaced later and the RNC thought, "Oh, shit," but once Trump explained that it was "only locker room talk" everything was okay.

Why the RNC got Donald Trump instead of JEB!

The problem the RNC had in leading up to the Republican 2016 Primaries and in then trying to unify the above groups, whose commonality was primarily angry disaffection, was that the RNC was the 'establishment' and it was peddling the same, tired establishment bullshit. In other words, they totally misjudged the give-a-shit basis for their audience's mood, which was poor-paying jobs, no jobs, shitty jobs, and Mexicans taking all the shitty jobs that they didn't want, but were unhappy to see said Mexicans making money at. But the elephant in the room was named 'Xenophobia' -- a fear that the white person's place atop the slag heap was in danger of toppling. So yeah, "Fuck you, RNC, we'll vote for an asshole, that'll teach you!" And voilà -- Donald Trump.

And then came Russia barreling down the Fulda Gap

Now this rather too-long piece is about my 2016 assessment of the Republican strategy for wining the election, not why Hillary Clinton lost -- there have been plenty of hand-wringing analyses of that. What I want to express is how embarrassed I am for missing what turned out to be a key ingredient in the Republican strategy, viz, Russia. I didn't see Russia coming. Did you?

Ultimately, our Intelligence agencies ferreted it out and not long after Trump's inauguration, their findings led to the Mueller investigation looking into whether the Trump Campaign and Trump himself had been colluding with Russia (remember, “Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing"?).

Is it too far fetched to think that the RNC itself was colluding with Russia. After all, the RNC watered down language in the Republican Platform supporting U.S. assistance to the Ukraine in its efforts to resist Russian interference in their internal affairs. And according to reports, the RNC was also penetrated by Russian hackers, but their data were not released. More recently, Republican lawmakers faced scorn when they decided to celebrate July 4th in Moscow. Did they have favors to return?

Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.) led the eight-member Republican delegation on a multi-day tour of Russia.

Donald Trump claims the Russia investigation is a "witch hunt." Well, a lot of witches have been rounded up. It will be interesting to see what the latest witch, Maria Butina, revealed about her contacts with the RNC and with her handler, Alexander Torshin when questioned by the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and by Robert Mueller.

Scott Walker between Walker stood between Maria Butina and Alexander Torshin

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We now know that Russia deployed active measures to influence the 2016 Election, and they did so to aid Donald Trump. There is growing evidence that members of the Trump Campaign colluded with Russia, with the latest revelation being that Paul Manafort shared campaign polling data with the Russians before the 2016 Election. Certainly this aided the Russians social media blitz. What we don't know for sure, and may never know, is how much Russia's interference impacted election results. Opinions?

Rep. Dan Newhouse Responds to My Letter Regarding Russia's Influence in the 2016 U.S. Election

May 31, 2017

Dear Dr. Badalamente,

Thank you for contacting my office about the investigation into Russia’s influence in the 2016 election cycle.  It is important to hear from constituents as I work in Congress representing the people of Washington’s 4th District.  I sincerely appreciate you reaching out and sharing your views on this important issue.

Recently, concerns were raised over President Trump’s firing of James Comey, the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These concerns are centered on Director Comey and the FBI’s active investigation of potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russian officials’ interference in the presidential election.

You may be pleased to know that despite the firing of Director Comey, the FBI is continuing to investigate Russia’s potential role in last year’s elections and any potential ties between Trump campaign officials and Russia.  Additionally, you will be pleased to know, on May 17, 2017 the Department of Justice (DOJ) appointed former FBI director Robert Mueller as a special counsel charged with overseeing the federal investigation into Russian interference in the election.  Many individuals have asked for a special counsel to be appointed since this investigation began, and Director Mueller is highly respected and has served both Republican and Democratic Administrations.

Additionally, the Senate and House Intelligence Committees are also conducting investigations into this matter as well. I am encouraged by the effort to determine the facts in this matter and determine the extent of Russian interference, and whether there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian officials.  No one is above the law, and Congress, the FBI, and DOJ will act accordingly when the findings of the investigation are released.

I hope you will continue to be in contact as Congress debates the many issues of importance to the country. I also encourage you to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter and to sign up for my e-newsletter for the latest updates on my work to represent Central Washington’s views in our nation’s capital

Thank you again for taking the time to share your concerns with me—I am always glad to hear from constituents of the 4^th District. It is an honor and privilege to serve you in Congress.
Sincerely,

Dan Newhouse
Member of Congress

I Called Rep Dan Newhouse & Urged Him to Support an Independent Investigation

This is his response. What do you think of it?

Dear Dr. Badalamente,

          Thank you for contacting my office with concerns about Russia’s influence over the Trump Administration.  It is important to hear from constituents as I work in Congress representing the people of Washington’s 4th District.  I sincerely appreciate you reaching out and sharing your views on this important issue.          

As you may be aware, prior to leaving office, the Obama Administration cited evidence that during the election Russia was involved with cyber-attacks on the Democratic National Committee, Republican National Committee, and other individuals and entities.  Some information that was obtained in these hacks was made public.  There is no evidence that voting machines were tampered with, but it is unacceptable to have any foreign government involved in our elections.  I believe we must do all we can to get to address these cyberattacks, and continue to investigate.       

You may be pleased to know that the FBI is investigating Russia’s potential role in last year’s elections and any potential ties between Trump officials and Russia.  Additionally, the Senate and House Intelligence Committee have promised to thoroughly investigate any contacts between Trump aides and the Kremlin.  In fact, the House Intelligence Committee has been conducting a long ongoing investigation into Russian activities since last year. It started before the election with concerns about Russia’s cyber activities and since the election the committee has broadened the scope of the investigation to include any involvement by Russia into our election, and any ties of Russian officials to any U.S. government official at any level.

In fact, the Intelligence Committee wants to know about any American citizens coordinating with the Russians.  Chairman Nunes and Ranking Member Schiff have, in a bipartisan manner, announced the parameters of their investigation, which you may learn more about by going to http://intelligence.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=767.  Despite the leaks, we must be careful to ensure this classified investigation can continue.

While it is premature to prejudge the investigation, if our intelligence professionals uncover serious crimes, we must consider the appointment of a special prosecutor.  I believe that Congress has an obligation to protect our country from any foreign threats, and I will be sure to monitor these investigations as they are conducted.

 I hope you will continue to be in contact as Congress debates the many issues of importance to the country. I also encourage you to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter and to sign up for my e-newsletter for the latest updates on my work to represent Central Washington’s views in our nation’s capital. 

Thank you again for taking the time to share your concerns with me—I am always glad to hear from constituents of the 4^th District. It is an honor and privilege to serve you in Congress.
Sincerely,

Dan Newhouse
Member of Congress

Statement by Senator Patty Murray on Michael Flynn Resignation

Today, U.S Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after Michael Flynn resigned from his position as National Security Advisor.

“Like so many Americans, I am deeply troubled by the events that led to the abrupt resignation of Michael Flynn, a person who was supposed to be putting the safety of American citizens and our allies first, and who for months had a direct line to the president and the power to influence some of the most critical decisions facing our country.

“While removing himself is a positive step, I have little reason to believe that Mr. Flynn’s resignation marks any sort of conclusion. In fact, this development only prompts many more questions. I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in calling for an immediate and independent investigation into Russian interference in our elections, and potential links between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign. President Trump has remained far too dismissive of Russia’s hostile behavior and Americans deserve to know why that is. We cannot afford a White House that accommodates Vladimir Putin and his meddling in foreign elections, aggression in Ukraine, and record of human rights abuses at home and abroad." 

Russian Hacking of the US 2016 Election

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov

According to an October 2016 article in the Guardian, the Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said that  Moscow had offered US officials an opportunity to hold joint talks on fighting cybercrime.

Now that the U.S. has formally accused Russia of hacking the 2016 Election in an effort to help Donald Trump, the offer appears to be off the table. We’ll have to see.

In Case You Missed It

The 2016 Election results are in. Benton County voters went in a big way for Donald Trump, favoring a man his own Republican Party stalwarts called unqualified and unfit to be President, by 59% to 33% over Hillary Clinton.

Among 3rd party candidates, Gary 'What's an Aleppo' Johnson garnered 6% of the vote, cast by republicans who just couldn't bring themselves to vote for a lying, cheating, confidence man.

Senator Patty Murray, a long-time friend of our region, lost in our county to Chris Vance, former Chair of the Washington State Republican Party, and one of the few republican candidates with the courage to refuse to endorse Trump. Murray won statewide, of course.

Incumbent Dan Newhouse edged out Superbowl Ring Wearer, Clint Didier, 54% to 46%, leaving Didier to ponder his next elective office run.

Governor Jay Inslee was soundly defeated in Benton County by Bill Bryant, 62% to 38%. Inslee won statewide, leaving county republicans once again calling for secession from the liberal-left West.

One surprise was incumbent AG Bob Ferguson winning the vote in Benton County, 55% to 45%, over little-known Libertarian candidate Joshua B Trumbell, who stressed his experience working in his father's auto body shop.

Rebecca Francik and Gary Downing both lost their races for 16th LD seats 1 and 2, respectively, by similar 40+% margins. They worked exceptionally hard in their campaigns, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for running.

2016 Election Results for Measures as of Nov 29, 2016

The final ballot count for Benton County as of Nov 29, 2016, was 84,663, a turnout of almost 79%.

 In Benton County, measures 1491, 1501, and 735 passed. Measures 1433, 1464, and 732 failed to pass.

About 60% of Benton County voters voted "No" on raising the minimum wage to $11.00 in 2017, $11.50 in 2018, $12.00 in 2019, and $13.50 in 2020. Statewide, the measure passed 57% to 43%.

There were two "advisory vote" measures on the ballot. Voters could vote to "maintain" the legislation, or "repeal" it. Both bills brought up for vote were sensible "maintain" votes, and voters voted to repeal both. Mostly, in my opinion, voters have little or no idea what they're voting about. Here's what the Washington Budget Policy Center says about the measures.

Advisory Vote #14: Clarifying taxation of stand-alone family dental plans 
In the 2016 legislative session, the legislature overwhelmingly approved House Bill 2768, which clarified that some stand-alone family dental plans can be charged an insurance premium tax. This legislation is largely a technical change that allows the Washington Health Plan Finder to offer stand-alone adult dental insurance coverage through the state exchange.

Advisory Vote #15: Modifying tax exemption criteria for clean energy cars
Also in 2016, a broad majority of legislators voted to extend and narrow an existing tax break for customers who buy clean energy cars (House Bill 2778). This tax break is intended to encourage the use of clean alternative fuel vehicles in Washington. The public policy objective of this tax exemption is clearly stated, and a tax preference performance statement is included. While the exemption previously applied to all plug-in and alternative fuel cars, even niche, luxury cars like Teslas selling for $100,000 or more, the 2016 legislation limited the exemption to cars selling for $35,000 per year or less. This change will save the state money by more efficiently targeting the benefit toward consumers for whom a sales tax exemption would make a difference in their purchasing decisions.

Message from the DCCC, and Another From Jaxon Ravens

We simply want to thank you.

We know last night didn’t go as any of us planned. We’re upset. We’re disappointed. And we’re heartbroken.

But we aren’t giving up. We’re going to keep fighting.

We know today doesn’t feel like a victory. But thanks to your support this year, we were able to elect new, strong, and diverse Democrats to the House.

We can’t forget the important wins we did make last night. And we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you with us.

President Obama reminded us this morning that the most important thing we can do is move forward. He told us that “we brush ourselves off, we get back in the arena, we go at it.”

And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

Thank you for being with us in this fight -- and for being with us as we forge ahead.

The DCCC Team


Friend,

Last night, I looked out across a room packed with hundreds of Democrats, their families, and friends. As the national results played out on screen, I was more thankful than ever for the voters, supporters, candidates, and leaders who make Washington a beacon of light for the rest of the country.

Thanks to Democrats like you, we have a lot to celebrate here at home:

• We re-elected Governor Jay Inslee, Senator Patty Murray, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler.
• We re-elected every one of our members congress by decisive margins, and elected Pramila Jayapal to fill the vacant 7th district seat.
• We filled our statewide offices with new Democratic champions -- Cyrus Habib for Lieutenant Governor, Hilary Franz for Public Lands Commissioner, Pat McCarthy for Auditor, and Chris Reykdal for Superintendent.
• We strengthened our majority in the State House and are excited to welcome new Democratic legislators in both the House and Senate.
• And we approved a historic statewide minimum wage increase.

Our victories are your victories. You made it possible to run a top notch statewide Coordinated Campaign. You gave our team the resources, and the motivation, to bring hundreds of volunteers together to get out the vote for our Democratic candidates and values.

I am proud and honored to be a Washington State Democrat, and I hope you are too.

There's more work to be done, but for now -- Thank you.

Jaxon Ravens

Hillary Clinton's Concession Speech

Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans.

This is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for, and I'm sorry we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for our country.

But I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together -- this vast, diverse, creative, unruly, energized campaign. You represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too. And so do tens of millions of Americans who invested their hopes and dreams in this effort. This is painful, and it will be for a long time. But I want you to remember this: Our campaign was never about one person or even one election. It was about the country we love -- and about building an America that's hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted.

We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America -- and I always will. And if you do, too, then we must accept this result -- and then look to the future.

Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.

Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power, and we don't just respect that, we cherish it. It also enshrines other things -- the rule of law, the principle that we're all equal in rights and dignity, and the freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these things too -- and we must defend them.

And let me add: Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time. So let's do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear: making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top; protecting our country and protecting our planet; and breaking down all the barriers that hold anyone back from achieving their dreams.

We've spent a year and a half bringing together millions of people from every corner of our country to say with one voice that we believe that the American Dream is big enough for everyone -- for people of all races and religions, for men and women, for immigrants, for LGBT people, and people with disabilities.

Our responsibility as citizens is to keep doing our part to build that better, stronger, fairer America we seek. And I know you will.

I am so grateful to stand with all of you.

I want to thank Tim Kaine and Anne Holton for being our partners on this journey. It gives me great hope and comfort to know that Tim will remain on the front-lines of our democracy, representing Virginia in the Senate.

To Barack and Michelle Obama: Our country owes you an enormous debt of gratitude for your graceful, determined leadership, and so do I.

To Bill, Chelsea, Marc, Charlotte, Aidan, our brothers, and our entire family, my love for you means more than I can ever express.

You crisscrossed this country on my behalf and lifted me up when I needed it most -- even four-month old Aidan traveling with his mom.

I will always be grateful to the creative, talented, dedicated men and women at our headquarters in Brooklyn and across our country who poured their hearts into this campaign. For you veterans, this was a campaign after a campaign -- for some of you, this was your first campaign ever. I want each of you to know that you were the best campaign anyone has had.

To all the volunteers, community leaders, activists, and union organizers who knocked on doors, talked to neighbors, posted on Facebook - even in secret or in private: Thank you.

To everyone who sent in contributions as small as $5 and kept us going, thank you.

And to all the young people in particular, I want you to hear this. I've spent my entire adult life fighting for what I believe in. I've had successes and I've had setbacks -- sometimes really painful ones. Many of you are at the beginning of your careers. You will have successes and setbacks, too.

This loss hurts. But please, please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it. It's always worth it. And we need you keep up these fights now and for the rest of your lives.

To all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.

I know that we still have not shattered that highest glass ceiling. But some day someone will -- hopefully sooner than we might think right now.

And to all the little girls watching right now, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world.

Finally, I am grateful to our country for all it has given me.

I count my blessings every day that I am an American. And I still believe, as deeply as I ever have, that if we stand together and work together, with respect for our differences, strength in our convictions, and love for this nation -- our best days are still ahead of us.

You know I believe we are stronger together and will go forward together. And you should never be sorry that you fought for that.

Scripture tells us: "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we shall reap, if we do not lose heart."

My friends, let us have faith in each other. Let us not grow weary. Let us not lose heart. For there are more seasons to come and there is more work to do.

I am incredibly honored and grateful to have had this chance to represent all of you in this consequential election. May God bless you and God bless the United States of America.

Hillary

Despair Is No Answer

"Despair is no answer. To combat authoritarianism, to call out lies, to struggle honorably and fiercely in the name of American ideals—that is what is left to do. That is all there is to do."

David Remmick, The New Yorker

Use VoteBuilder to Check on Who Has Voted in Your Precinct

8th LD PCOs and Precinct Leaders:

It’s Election Day!  People voting today must use the ballot drop boxes, because a ballot placed in a mailbox today will not necessarily receive today’s postmark.  Ballot drop boxes close at 8:00 PM.
Benton Co. Elections and the State Party office have come through with all the “Early Voting” data we need.  When I logged into VoteBuilder this morning, I found that “Early Voting” data is now complete, right through yesterday’s returns!  (After Thursday, 121 of 313 votes were in in my precinct; now 184 are in!)
   * Compare your list of the Democratic and leaning Democratic voters in your precinct against a final VoteBuilder list of people who have not yet voted.  (Contact either me or your GOTV Coordinator if you want a final VB list.)
   * Contact everyone who has not voted and find out why.
   * If at all possible, enable them to vote!

The list of the 8th LDDO’s endorsements – which is especially useful today, when time is short! – is attached.  This can be a big help to people who want to vote and help our party, but don’t have time to study the Voter’s Pamphlet, which is 144 pages long.  Your constituents will appreciate knowing where their local Democratic Party organization stands on these five initiatives and ten offices.

Election Night Parties!  (I’ll be there shortly after the drop boxes close!)
As previously announced, there will be an election night party at the home of Misty Harris-Muchlinski, 2345 Carriage Avenue, Richland.  The party starts at 6:30 PM.  Please RSVP to events@bencodems.org.  BYOB.
There will also be a gathering at the Tapteal Apartments clubhouse at 1775 Columbia Park Trail, Richland. This party starts at 5:00 PM. Bring some food to share.

Let’s Get Out The Vote and win this election!

John Christenson, Chair
8th Legislative District Democratic Organization
(509) 783-0282  home

Election Night Parties

As previously announced, there will be an election night party at the home of Misty Harris-Muchlinski, 2345 Carriage Avenue, Richland. The party starts at 6:30 PM. Please RSVP to events@bencodems.org. BYOB.

There will also be a gathering at the Tapteal Apartments clubouse at 1775 Columbia Park Trail, Richland. This party starts at 5:00 PM. Bring some food to share.

Know Your Rights ( Intimidación al votante)

The ACLU prepared this Know Your Rights resource for election season in response to heightened concern regarding voter intimidation at polling places. Download a printable version of this info here (en Español aquí), and a shareable social media graphic here. Contact the Election Protection Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE), the Department of Justice Voting Rights Hotline (800-253-3931), or an attorney if you believe that your rights have been violated.

A Plea from the Climate Scientists Who Write for Real Climate

Dear US voters:

The world is holding its breath. The stakes are high in the upcoming US elections. At stake is a million times more than which email server one candidate used, or how another treated women. The future of humanity will be profoundly affected by your choice, for many generations to come

The coming four years is the last term during which a US government still has the chance, jointly with the rest of the world, to do what is needed to stop global warming well below 2°C and closer to 1.5°C, as was unanimously decided by 195 nations in the Paris Agreement last December. The total amount of carbon dioxide the world can still emit in order to have at least a 50% chance to stop warming at 1.5 °C will, at the current rate of emissions, be all used up in under ten years! This time can only be stretched out by making emissions fall rapidly.

Greenland and parts of neighboring Canada have experienced some of the most extreme warming since 1979, at a rate of about 1 degree Celsius per decade, or several times the global average.

Even 2°C of global warming is very likely to spell the end of most coral reefs on Earth. 2°C would mean a largely ice-free Arctic ocean in summer, right up to the North Pole. Even 2°C of warming is likely to destabilize continental ice sheets and commit the world to many meters of sea-level rise, lasting for millennia. Further global warming will likely lead to increasing extreme weather, droughts, harvest failures, and the risk of armed conflict and mass migration

In case you have any doubts about the science: in the scientific community there is a long-standing consensus that humans are causing dangerous global warming, reflected in the clear statements of many scientific academies and societies from around the world. None of the 195 governments that signed the Paris Agreement saw any reasons for doubting the underlying scientific facts; doubts about the science that you see in some media are largely manufactured by interest groups trying to fool you

You have a fateful choice to make. The policies of candidates and parties on climate change could hardly be more different. Hillary Clinton would continue to work with the international community to tackle the global warming crisis and help the transition to modern clean and renewable energies. Donald Trump denies that the problem even exists and has promised to go back to coal and to undo the Paris Agreement, which comes into force today, November 4, 2016, as culmination of over twenty years of negotiations

Please consider this carefully. This is not an election about personalities, it is about policies that will determine our future for a long time to come. While the presidential race has gotten the most attention, voters should consider climate not just at the ‘top of the ticket’, but all the way down the ballot. Don’t make a choice that you, your children and your children’s children will regret forever

David Archer, Rasmus Benestad, Ray Bradley, Michael Mann, Ray Pierrehumbert, Stefan Rahmstorf and Eric Steig

Endorsed by 8th LD Democratic Organization

I-1433 - Yes
I-1464 - Yes
I-1491 - Yes
I-1501 - Yes
I-735 - Yes

U.S. President - Hillary Clinton
U.S. Senator - Patty Murray
Governor - Jay Inslee
Lt. Governor - Cyrus Habib
Secretary of State - Tina Podlodowski
Auditor - Pat (Patrice) McCarthy
Attorney General - Bob Ferguson
Commissioner of Public Lands - Hilary Franz
Supt. of Public Instruction - Chris Reykdal
Insurance Commissioner - Mike Kreidler

Washington Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Bryant Meeting with Latino Coalition in Kennewick

Bill Bryant will meet with the Latino Coalition this coming Friday morning, the 28th, from 11am to 11:45am, at the Lampson Crane Building located at 602 Columbia Drive (off Cable Bridge), in Kennewick. If you plan to attend, please notify David Cortinas, ASAP.

On-Line Voters' Guide

Here is a link to the on-line voters' guide provided by the Washington Secretary of State.

The buttons across the top of the page provide links to:

MEASURES

FEDERAL CANDIDATES

STATEWIDE CANDIDATES

LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES

JUDICIAL CANDIDATES

Click the + sign to expand each section.

VOTING DEADLINES

Latest 8th Legislative District Democratic Organization Picks

The 8th LDDO endorses the following candidates for elected office in the 2016 Election:

U.S. President - Hillary Clinton
U.S. Senator - Patty Murray
Washington Governor - Jay Inslee
Lt. Governor - Cyrus Habib
Secretary of State - Tina Podlodowski
Auditor - Pat (Patrice) McCarthy
Attorney General - Bob Ferguson
Commissioner of Public Lands - Hilary Franz
Supt. of Public Instruction - Chris Reykdal
Insurance Commissioner - Mike Kreidler

The 8th LDDO supports the following initiatives:

I-1433; Increases the minimum wage
I-1464: Establishes program for registered voters to make "democracy credit contributions"
I-1491: Issue extreme risk protection orders
I-1501: Change law for ID theft on seniors and vulnerable individuals
I-735: Get big money out of politics

Voters Pamphlet

Voters pamphlets are arriving in your mail. The pamphlets are especially useful in understanding the initiatives. They are described, and arguments for and against are provided. These arguments are written by those supporting or opposing the initiatives, so do your own due diligence.

In past elections, some special interests have sent out advocacy mailings disguised to look very much like official voters' guides. Make sure your 'guide' says 'PUBLISHED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE,' and has the State Seal on it.

Get informed, vote, and get out the vote!