Campaign ‘96

Voters be armed

With the primary fast approaching, anxious voters seem to be wondering two things. Where can they get information about politics and politicians, and where can they get a copy of the sample ballot … Here’s a new bit of help for the former question, the Vote Smart Web Yellow Pages, put out by the Center for National Independence in Politics. The 244-page book can link the computer literate (and even many of us semiliterate) to campaigns and organizations. It has a state directory, an issue directory and links to government publications. And best of all, it’s free, by calling 1-800-622-SMART … As for the sample ballot, look for that this Thursday in The Spokesman-Review Voters Guide.

A chance to sign up

The YWCA in Spokane is joining a national voter registration drive and sponsoring a brown bag lecture on Monday. Judith Gilmore, who runs Gov. Mike Lowry’s Spokane office, will discuss how government affects individuals and how individuals can affect elections … Lunch is from noon to 1 p.m., and registrars will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. One note, though. Signing up to vote on Monday will not entitle people to vote in the Sept. 17 primary. The deadline for that has passed.

Now they’re ready for prime time

Spokane’s League of Women Voters gave candidates a chance to share a podium last month. Some forums were sparsely attended - by candidates and voters - but others offered the best chance to see candidates on the same stage before the primary. Now those forums are coming to a television set near you - providing your set gets Cox Cable Channel 5 … On Friday, Democrats competing for the 5th Congressional District are on at 7 p.m., followed at 8 by a half-hour discussion of Spokane’s strong mayor proposal, then a meeting of the candidates for an open Superior Court seat. On Saturday, Spokane County Commission candidates have back-to-back forums starting at 9 a.m., with GOP gubernatorial candidates at 6 p.m. and Democratic gubernatorial candidates at 7 … They all rerun next Sunday, starting with the gubernatorial candidates at 9 a.m., the commissioners at noon, and the congressional candidates, strong mayor issue and judicial candidates at 7 p.m.

Catch the candidates

Today: U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt, Republican candidate for re-election, at the Spokane Interstate Fair. 11:30 a.m., County GOP Booth, Main Building.

Monday: Val Smith, Democrat for 3rd District House seat, at a fundraiser. 5:30 p.m., Aracelia’s Restaurant. 111 S. Stevens.

Tuesday: Judy Olson, Democratic candidate for Congress, at the Spokane Interstate Fair. 7-9:30 p.m., fairgrounds.

Wednesday: Nona Brazier, Republican candidate for governor, at the Spokane Interstate Fair. 1 p.m., fairgrounds.

Campaign calendar

Tuesday: Campaign contribution and spending reports due for state and local candidates.

Sept. 16: Last day to obtain absentee ballot for state primary.

Sept. 17: State primary. Polls open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sept. 25: First presidential debate, in St. Louis. 6 p.m.

, DataTimes MEMO: Campaign ‘96 is published regularly during campaign season, and is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports