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Related Coverage, Page 19
Judge OK’s Mukilteo red light camera vote
A Snohomish County Superior Court ruled Friday that Mukilteo voters will have their say in November on red light cameras.
Two vie for seat on Washington Appeals Court
Rules of conduct prevent judicial candidates from saying very much about cases, issues or each other. They point to their rèsumès, proclaim respect for the law and insist that they’d be better behind the bench than an opponent. But that doesn’t stop other groups and people from talking about Laurel Siddoway and Harvey Dunham, the candidates for the state Court of Appeals Division III seat on the Aug. 17 primary.
3rd Legislative District, Position 1, candidate interviews
Candidates for the state House in the 3rd Legislative District (Position 1) Bob Apple, Andy Billig, Louise Chadez and Dave White answer the question: “Why do you feel that you are the best candidate?”
3rd Legislative District, Position 1, interviews (Part 2)
Candidates for the state House in the 3rd Legislative District (Position 1) Bob Apple, Andy Billig, Louise Chadez and Dave White answer the question: “Would you support tax increases to help balance the budget?”
Rossi still disputes job-saving measure
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dino Rossi, in Vancouver to speak to the local Tea Party organization, said he still opposes a $26 billion bill pushed toward passage by his Democratic opponent Wednesday that will save Washington jobs and stave off deep budget cuts over the next 11 months.
David Fox’s filing-fee bill outstanding
A Democratic candidate for Eastern Washington’s congressional seat is getting a past-due notice from the state this week because the check for his $1,740 filing fee bounced. David R. Fox, a Port Angeles attorney who moved to Spokane to run against Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, is being warned to pay up in 30 days or see a 1 percent per month interest charge tacked onto the filing fee.
Chase launches write-in campaign for treasurer
Liberty Lake real estate agent Rob Chase announced Tuesday that he is a write-in candidate for Spokane County treasurer.
Walt Minnick receives builders’ support
BOISE – A building industry group has endorsed U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick in his bid for a second term, saying Idaho’s lone Democrat in Congress has proven himself to be “fair and proactive.” The Idaho Associated General Contractors, which represents more than 800 companies, has traditionally supported Republicans, including Minnick’s 2008 Republican rival, U.S. Rep. Bill Sali.
Shelly O’Quinn calls district home
A legislative candidate who moved into the Spokane-area district she wants to represent just months before filing notice that she would run is dismissing as a nonissue criticism questioning her short-term residency. Shelly O’Quinn, who grew up in Spokane Valley, moved to a South Hill rental home with her family in April 2009. In September, she filed notice with the state Public Disclosure Commission that she was running for the 6th Legislative District House seat now held by Democrat John Driscoll.
McMorris Rodgers announces pregnancy
U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers is expecting her second child about a month after the general election.
Ads attack conservative state justice
OLYMPIA – Liberal advocacy groups have ramped up their bid to oust state Supreme Court Justice Jim Johnson, the high court’s most conservative member. Johnson faces Tacoma attorney Stan Rumbaugh in the Aug. 17 primary.
Labrador office moves to Boise
BOISE – U.S. House hopeful Raul Labrador’s cash-strapped campaign has moved to downtown Boise to conserve resources, setting up a new headquarters outside the congressional district he wants to represent. The penny-saving move underscores Labrador’s difficulty in fundraising compared to his Democratic rival, U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick, who has more than $1 million on hand and holds a 16 to 1 cash advantage.
Editorial: Baker proves he’s worth retaining in assessor post
We’ve been hearing a lot about low morale and ineffective leadership in the Spokane County Assessor’s Office. Assessor Ralph Baker discounts the accusations, but the crowded field of five challengers in the primary election makes them hard to ignore. The rivals have lodged mostly anecdotal complaints about matters ranging from inconsistent training approaches to the inability of citizens to get direct answers.
Spokane County commissioner race votes limited to district
Voters throughout Spokane County eventually will have the chance to vote for Spokane County commissioner. But only those who live in Commissioner Bonnie Mager’s district can vote in the Aug. 17 primary in that race.
Editorial: Commission would benefit from French’s leadership
Democratic incumbent Bonnie Mager has drawn three strong Republican challengers in the primary contest for Spokane County commissioner. Party affiliation alone could grant her one of the two slots for the general election if her opponents divvy up GOP votes. But much of the job is nonpartisan, and the decision for voters ought to rest on who can be the most effective leader in highly challenging times. Mager is often at odds with the two other commissioners, Mark Richard and Todd Mielke. To her credit, she was a critic of the duo’s unfortunate deal to purchase Spokane Raceway Park, which the county ought to sell back into the private sector at the first opportune moment.
Use candidate profiles to inform primary ballot picks
Eastern Washington voters are receiving their primary ballots, with nearly three weeks to mark and return them before the Aug. 17 primary. Some voters may need that much time to sort through the long list of candidates for some races: four for an open legislative seat in central Spokane’s 3rd District, five for Spokane County commissioner, six for Eastern Washington’s U.S. House seat and 15 for the U.S. Senate.