Pete Wilson Will Stump In Seattle, Olympia

California Gov. Pete Wilson will visit Washington on Sunday, stumping at three private fund-raisers as a GOP presidential candidate.

During his morning appearance at Seattle’s Rainier Club, local civil rights groups were planning to protest his opposition to affirmative action. Wilson will speak at a $125-a-plate brunch there.

In June, Wilson abolished California affirmative action programs that are not required by federal law or the courts.

Last month, after the University of California regents dropped affirmative action programs, Wilson said that if elected president he would eliminate federal programs that consider gender, race or ethnicity for hiring, promotions or contracts.

In the afternoon, Wilson will speak at a $50-a-head reception at Tumwater’s Tyee Hotel in Thurston County, then attend a clambake fund-raiser at the Olympia home of Secretary of State Ralph Munro.