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February 5, 2011 in City
McCaslin blasts Shea as possible successor for state Senate seat
Longtime state Sen. Bob McCaslin, who resigned last month, doesn’t think state Rep. Matt Shea should replace him.
“I wish to state that under no circumstances would I support Matthew Shea for any public office,” McCaslin writes in a letter to Spokane County commissioners.
The terse message is included in packages of background information commissioners reviewed late Friday afternoon as they prepare to name McCaslin’s successor.
Shea couldn’t be reached in three calls for comment Friday evening.
An attorney who was elected to the House in 2008, Shea is the top choice of 4th District Republican Party officials. As required by state law, party officials gave commissioners three nominees.
The others are Jeff H. Baxter, who was an unsuccessful write-in candidate for a West Valley School Board position in 2009, and Roy Murry, who operates a security business.
Murry has been convicted in Spokane County of carrying an illegal weapon and was recently arrested in Las Vegas, where he potentially faces another weapons charge.
McCaslin, 84, served 30 years in the Legislature and stepped down because of poor health. He is recovering from illness-related amputation of a leg.
McCaslin told The Spokesman-Review he believes Shea broke his word on a deal to include former legislator and District Court Judge Mike Padden among the nominees to replace McCaslin.
“When somebody breaks his word to me, that is a cardinal sin,” McCaslin said. “That’s the kiss of death in the Legislature.”
He said the deal was with Shea, Padden and state Rep. Larry Crouse. Padden and Crouse said they also believed there was a deal, but Shea may not have.
County commissioners must choose from the party list. If they don’t do so by March 4, the job will pass to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who also would be limited to the party nominees.
Commissioners say they have been under intense pressure from party members to make a quick appointment, but they insisted on a thorough screening that is to culminate in interviews next Friday.
Part of the process has been to collect police and court records as well as rèsumès from the candidates and letters from supporters and detractors.
In addition to Murry’s criminal history, the dossiers include documents from Shea’s bitter divorce proceedings in 2007 and a criminal case in which Shea was a character witness for a defendant who was convicted of trying to steal about $7,000 from the estate of a man who had been in the defendant’s care.
The dossiers also include a five-page sworn statement in which County Commissioner Todd Mielke says Shea subjected him to an outburst of “spontaneous, extreme anger.”
Mielke says the incident occurred in the House Office Building during last year’s legislative session.
Mielke, a former state representative, said Shea loudly addressed him with a sexually vulgar expletive and complained that he didn’t consult Shea about a bill Mielke was promoting.
“You need to learn that if you want anything through this process, you need to talk to me first,” Mielke quotes Shea.
Mielke says the incident caused him to rethink his previous dismissal of similar accounts by Shea’s ex-wife of “intense angry outbursts.”
He said in an interview that he wants an unequivocal answer from Shea about his ex-wife’s allegation that “he was disarmed by his commander in Iraq and called in for a psychiatric evaluation for anger management problems.”
Shea was serving as an Army National Guard captain.
Mielke said Shea’s supporters have threatened to vote him out of office if he doesn’t do “the right thing,” but domestic violence advocates also are pressuring him.
“I am having a lot of internal struggles determining what the ‘right thing’ is,” Mielke said. “I believe that my moral and ethical integrity is on the line in this decision.”
Staff writer Jim Camden contributed to this report.
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concernedvoter on February 05 at 2:41 a.m.
This story makes no sense. Regardless of what McCaslin believes about the existence or non-existence of alleged (secret) oral agreements, it is an undisputed FACT that NO ONE PERSON has the authority to make any pre-arranged “deals” as to how a group of PCOs should vote! Shouldn’t that be obvious??
jbhale on February 05 at 3:12 a.m.
Here is what McCaslin had to say last July:
http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2010/jul/28/mccaslin-discounts-retirement-rumor/
So last year McCaslin says it’s not up to him, yet now he’s complaining because the PCOs didn’t select the guy he wanted to have replace him. The PCOs weren’t interested in your backroom deal with the commissioners, McCaslin, get over it.
spokanecougar on February 05 at 6:01 a.m.
I know the state law says otherwise, but why don’t they have a special election for the PEOPLE to choose who they want to represent them? Last time I checked we lived in a democracy and we elected our own representation, this isn’t China where they are appointed.
SpokaneLiberal on February 05 at 6:39 a.m.
I hope the commissioners call the PCOs bluff and appoint Murray, then he is removed or sanctioned for his criminal activity.
This is ridiculous. The commissioners should have 3 real choices not 1 person and 2 throwaways to meet the legal requirements.
rob_brewer on February 05 at 6:52 a.m.
Sounds like Matt hasn’t changed much from our college days.
DBunkers on February 05 at 6:59 a.m.
John Craig should buy the editors a cup of coffee. This story is certainly not worthy of being on the top part of the main section of the paper.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on February 05 at 7:42 a.m.
Any more “dirty laundry” out there for viewing? This simply points to the divisions within the two repubican factions.. sort of a revolution going on here that may be a microcosm of the national picture. The arcane “rules” if used in an adept way by people can be effective in taking over a group…. thanks for the article… john
misjustice on February 05 at 7:46 a.m.
I could see why the decision would be a difficult one. Each candidate has sooooo much to bring to the position, including personal baggage and/or criminal records. Seriously, do these candidates represent the best that the local GOP has to bring to the table? REALLY?
I love the drama!
; )
WFaulkner on February 05 at 7:46 a.m.
I had thought it was up to the PCO’s to present the nominees to the Commissioners. Why bother to get involved if the good old boys club has already made the decision?
This is an orchrestrated attack on Shea by The Powers That Be. No one throwing stones at Matt is exactly clean themselves. Their hypocrisy is evident to anyone who is following this with an open mind. A newspaper can you make you look like a devil or an angel if they want.
Matt Shea is the lion of Olympia and has made powerful enemies. This always happens to anyone who tries to stand for something.
Lulubelle on February 05 at 7:48 a.m.
Hope when all the details of this brouhaha come out Shea’s political career is toast and the TPers of the Spokane Co Repubs are exposed for who they are. Is this the representation Eastern WA wants and deserves?…..bullies that threaten their supposed Republican allies not to mention all voters in Spokane County?
Of course as a Democrat, I find this all highly amusing. Bring in the clowns
DickAdams on February 05 at 7:54 a.m.
McCaslin need to be put out to pasture.
timcarson on February 05 at 8:21 a.m.
Let me get this straight, one side of the 4th district GOP is upset because they allege the nominating PCO’s were in collusion to pick 3 persons to provide the commissioners. The PCO’s have minds of their own and selected the best 3 candidates who we wanted for our senate seat. But when McCaslin and Crouse make some alleged back door deal, that is OK as your paper try’s to sway public opinion away from Matt on this. I get it.
D Statler on February 05 at 8:27 a.m.
I believe we all forgot the second candidate in line here. Jeff Baxter is a great choice for McCaslins seat. He is a respected WestValley Parent and could have easily won the board seat if he had not been a write in nominee.His sons are wonderful kids that we know and respect..The fruit dosn’t fall far from the tree. He cares tremendously about our district,families and buisnesses that operate here. I would hope that our Commissioners would strongly consider Jeff Baxter and make this descision ASAP. We are currently unrepresented in Olympia. I am very currious what Mr McCaslins opinion is of Jeff Baxter? Senator McCaslin has been a great leader and a very powerful voice for Eastern Washington. His opinion should be strongly considered. I am proud to have had him representing us! :^)
ChefGus/ John Olsen on February 05 at 8:57 a.m.
Here is a link to a letter to the editor from Barb Chamberlain ( a progressive democrat) supporting Mr Shea… worth the read and perhaps a comment or two?
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/feb/05/caution-commendable/#c256095
John
Scoutster on February 05 at 9:11 a.m.
Shea sounds a little, shall we say, “awkward” when it comes to playing with others.
This could be a very risky thing in such an emotion-charged environment. Certainly not effective.
Are the commissioners prepared to take responsibility for him going off the deep end?
I agree with Misj…can’t they find some retired judge or agency head or business exec or former Rep to fill in until the next election? I mean, c’mon.
Go to Central Casting, not the Green Room.
SpokaneLiberal on February 05 at 9:14 a.m.
Tim
I think that is the problem. If this was the three best candidates, or even 3 legitimate candidates it would be another story. If the PCO had given the commission ANY choice BUT Shea this wouldn’t be as controversial.
Lets put it this way. Lets pretend this is a different race- say US senator. Now pretend the process for replacing a US Senator was the same. Patty Murray resign. For her replacement 3 democratic party insiders give a prison inmate, a coffee barista from Seattle, and Baghdad Jim Mcdermott. Would anyone think this was a fair representative choice. NO. It is sandbagged. Which is garbage.
greenlibertarian on February 05 at 9:21 a.m.
Again, there is not one word in Chamberlain’s letter that supports Shea, she merely defends the process involved.
Shadedmuse on February 05 at 9:22 a.m.
Hea and his supporters sound like the typical Tea-baggers, that use threats and intimidation and vulger language if they dont get their way, sounds like all three republican canidates sound like losers, one cant control his mouth and the other cant control his use of firearms, sounds like the Democratic party will be winning a seat in the 4th district the next election in 2012 as the republican party continues to split it self apart and go the way of the Whig Party.
jbhale on February 05 at 9:23 a.m.
SpokaneCougar: There will be an election, in November of this year. This appointment is to temporarily cover the senate seat, until an election can be conducted.
acerginnala on February 05 at 9:28 a.m.
For someone who touted freedom and liberty, Bob McCaslin and his supporters certainly have an odd way of showing it. They point blank state the backroom king-making deal to get Mike Padden in as state Senator. Then bemoan the fact that 40 duly elected PCO’s did there due diligence and rejected the deal by leaving Mike off the list. I thought we were tired of backroom deals by a select few, but I guess not. This is a sad legacy for a once great Senator as I voted for Bob most of his career with pride but will not do so again. How can anyone support a King-maker?
SpokaneLiberal on February 05 at 9:37 a.m.
chefgus
The letter supports the process not the person.
Give me more information on this Jeff Baxter… .
Oh and for the record I am not a big fan of collusion on the part of a bunch of reps on who will succeed who. I just think it seems like the PCOs were sandbagging for Shea. If he is the right/best choice no need to sandbag.
DickAdams on February 05 at 9:39 a.m.
I go along with my favorite actor.
“I am an old-fashioned, honest-to-goodness, flag-waving patriot.” John Wayne
hawken on February 05 at 9:47 a.m.
Shea is the man for the job. He has exceptional qualifications… other than he’s apparently not part of the “good ole boy club.”
This fact alone, that he’s not part of the “good ole boy” club qualifies him as the best candidate.
His Resume’
BACKGROUND
* Matt Shea’s family has lived in Eastern Washington for four generations.
* His family ran the first stagecoach, as the story goes, from Walla Walla to Colville, Washington.
* Matt grew up in Spokane Valley attending both Pasadena and Ponderosa elementary schools.
* Prior to graduating “cum Laude” from Gonzaga Law School, Matt earned both his BA in History and Political Science from Gonzaga University while completing ROTC.
* Matt is currently practicing at Casey Law Offices P.S. in Spokane, WA. He is admitted to practice in WA, the Eastern Washington Federal District Court, and the 9th circuit court of appeals.
DISTINGUISHED MILITARY CAREER
* Matt Shea has served his country in the United States Army with two combat tours overseas, including eight months in Bosnia as a platoon leader, and eleven months in Baghdad, Iraq, as a company commander.
* Matt was awarded both a Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal, among many other awards and commendations.
* Matt began his Military service as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Gonzaga in 1996, and finished in the top 3 of his Officer Basic Course class.
* Currently Matt is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and current member of the American Legion.
OTHER LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
* Matt was named “Rookie Legislator of the Year” (2009)
* Currently Matt serves as Vice Chairman for the Eastern WA Army Advisory Board
* Matt Shea was the co-founder of the Washington Family Foundation, which later merged with the Family Policy Institute of WA.
* Matt is an allied attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), a national network of attorneys dedicated to preserving religious freedom.
http://www.voteshea2010.com/bio.html
Yes Dick, “McCaslin need to be put out to pasture.”
acerginnala on February 05 at 9:52 a.m.
Love the line DickAdams, he’s my all time favorite actor as well!
As far as sandbagging, why is it sandbagging when the County Commissioner’s were in on the “fix” to put Padden in as Senator because they can’t control Matt Shea? This way, they had to select candidates the PCO’s wanted, not the “powers that be” demanded. What the PCO’s did took courage and independence and I say bully for them!!! The PCO’s did a “Kobayashi Maru” and the elites don’t like it. Bummer, dude.
de3 on February 05 at 10:13 a.m.
“Last time I checked we lived in a democracy and we elected our own representation, this isn’t China where they are appointed.”
No, but this is Spokane. The person has the blessing of the power structure, the Cowles, and so on, will be selected.
Spokane is not a democracy. Get over it.
And while Julian writes “This appointment is to temporarily cover the senate seat, until an election can be conducted”, keep in mind that incumbents get re-elected about 95% of the time.
Whether or not I or others agree with appointing Shea to the office, neither of the other two candidates have ever been elected to anything; Shea has been elected. For that reason alone, I would support Shea.
D Statler on February 05 at 10:24 a.m.
Sounds like Matt Shea is extremely qualified for the job.Thanks for posting his credentials.Everybody has a bad day once in awhile. I can only say that I know the Baxter family and feel they are all good people with good intentions. This speaks loud when our society seems to be tumbling backwards away from the values we believe in, in Spokane and Eastern Washington, Matt Shea has already been elected as a Representative and clearly is electable. This whole political manuevering by our County Commissioners is why we have been denied the leadership we need and deserve.
Shadedmuse on February 05 at 10:27 a.m.
Are you saying Spokane is an Aristricratic society, to be elected you must be annoited by the Cowles? this is why this country needs an Inhirtance tax to stop the Aristicratic society. the republicans to cover their backs make it sounds like everyone pays, No thats not true just the grossley over rich pays.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on February 05 at 10:41 a.m.
You are correct… that ms chamberlain is supporting the “process” and not the three choices… i mis spoke… sorry..j
zelda on February 05 at 10:42 a.m.
If I understand the backroom process correctly, the way it’s supposed to work is that the office holder steps down leaving an opening for the candidate preferred by the powers that be (Mike Padden) to be appointed. He then gets the incumbent’s advantage in the upcoming election. Except this time the backroom process got upended.
If we had any viable Democratic office holders in this part of the state, we wouldn’t have to put up with this smoke-filled room garbage. Now citizens can either be represented by a low-life arrested by Vegas cops or a guy with rage and violence problems. Isn’t that swell?
No wonder E. Spokane is the laughing stock of this state.
lostart on February 05 at 10:48 a.m.
Is the Republican Party self destructing? I think so. They put in the three stooges, a write-in inept treasurer, a white supremacist assessor, a trigger happy sheriff, a blind prosecuting attorney, and now a psychopathic senate candidate. Anyone else want to join the tea party? Thank you Cindy Z for your leadership. You were the best Republican chair the Ds have ever had. Next election should be some simple choices.
D Statler on February 05 at 10:48 a.m.
I am saying our County Commissioners give the appearance of an ostridge with it’s head burried in the sand. In the past year,Lack of leadership in our county has allowed the erosion of support and faith in our legal justice system.From the now empty Senators seat, to hiding in the background while our Prosecutors office and Law enforcement agencies tumble backwards. Our Commissioners don’t appear to display any true leadership abilities. We need the Commissioners to stand up and lead Spokane into the future.Not look the other way while public support flounders for all public employees. Put your differences behind you and get the job done we elected you to do. ThankYou
Spokanelaw on February 05 at 11:04 a.m.
Let me get this right, Respresentative Shea has the support of a highly disaplined majority of GOP Precinct Committee Officers in his effort to become their 4th LD Senator. Their election meeting was postponed due a call for a “flash mob” that scared the hosts. At the meeting Shea’s PCOs elected him and two ringers for consideration. Besides Shea who has anger issues there was Mr. Murry who has gun issues and another gentleman who had been a low profile GOP leader. Previously, former Senator McCaslin asked Shea to enter into a back room deal to allow retired Judge Mike Padden to be one of the three names forwarded by the PCOs. McCaslin is now angry because he feels that Shea welched on this deal which Shea says he didn’t make. Our Republican Spokane County Commissioners now have the first opportunity to make a choice among the three. Democratic Governor Gregoire is the backup. Commissioners Richard’s and Mielke’s districts split the 4th LD. The “flash mob” was intented to intimidate them with threats of primary opponents in two years. Former Spokane Valley Mayor Willhite is also in the wings. We live in interesting times.
Shadedmuse on February 05 at 11:11 a.m.
Speaking of the three stooges they are back in the 6th led by Crazy Ivan and his Carpetbagger college in the state senate. we use to have a real good state Senator in the sixth but now he is the state Booze Baron, I would pefer him the senate then being the Booze Baron.
Scoutster on February 05 at 11:56 a.m.
Hawken..
You had me at
“His family ran the first stagecoach, as the story goes, from Walla Walla to Colville, Washington.”
What more would we need for someone who wants to take our country back?
ChefGus/ John Olsen on February 05 at 12:44 p.m.
Mr Malone got it…. thanks Frank for hanging in there with the process….. j
james_l on February 05 at 12:57 p.m.
I think it is important to note that Matt Shea is being strongly endorsed by the Spokane Patriots Minutemen; our very own local White Supremacist Militia. This is the group that threatened the “flash mobs” if their demands were not met.
A growing ultra-right wing extremist faction of the local GOP has been drifting toward courting the white supremacists since 2007, when they invited racial extremist and Minutemen founder Jim Gilchrist to Spokane to address their annual Lincoln Day dinner.
The fact that Senator McCaslin, whose conservative credentials are well established, is deeply concerned about Shea should explain why the BOCC is being cautious in their selection. It just might turn out that Shea is the best of the three candidates and the BOCC will select him.
The State Constitution is very clear on this, but this right wing extremist group wishes to threaten and intimidate those who don’t bow down to their demands. I find it very enlightening that Matt Shea has not repudiated their strong-arm tactics
sowinso on February 05 at 12:59 p.m.
The bottom line is that state law presumes that PCOs are capable of acting in good faith in order to present to the county commissioners a list of acceptable candidates. The 4th District Republican PCOs have shown otherwise. The fact that they felt that they needed to put their thumbs on the scales to help out the candidate they otherwise believe to be most deserving smacks of Nixon’s blessing for breaking into the Watergate when he was going to win election even without the assistance.
Basically, the PCOs cornered their own representatives. This is a powerful argument from the Republican PCOs that the Spokane County Commissioners cannot be trusted.
This is what happens when the need for power exceeds the need to be moral. Shea should take responsibility for the situation he caused and withdraw. But, please, don’t hold your breath: his lust for power is too great to recognize moral acts, let alone engage in them.
hawken on February 05 at 1:20 p.m.
James:
I’m not familiar the …
“Spokane Patriots Minutemen; our very own local White Supremacist Militia.”
…as you say. If in fact they are, I’ll join in with condemnation.
I would like to know why you compare them with a “Supremacist Militia.”
Please let us know what information you have to make the comparison.
hawken on February 05 at 1:23 p.m.
More support for Shea:
January 15, 2011 - Updated: January 19, 7:03 p.m.
In response to your Jan. 8 editorial I assure you, the duly-elected Republican precinct committee officers of the 4th District take the responsibility of filling the vacated state Senate seat of Bob McCaslin very seriously. Bob has served the people of Spokane County well, and we are grateful!
I can think of no one more qualified, energetic and committed to public service in that district than current Rep. Matt Shea. He has worked hard to protect the fragile businesses in our region and state from over-regulation and excessive taxation. He has gained national prominence as a leading spokesman for states’ rights.
Bumping Matt up to the Senate to join Sens. Bob Morton, Mark Schoesler and Michael Baumgartner is the best thing we Republicans can do! What a superb team they will make!
Cindy Zapotocky
Former chairman, Spokane GOP
http://m.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jan/15/solidify-gop-team/
zelda on February 05 at 1:24 p.m.
Matt Shea makes my skin crawl. As a Democrat, I didn’t agree with McCaslin’s stances of many issues, but I never thought the man was unhinged. People can disagree on principle and still be civilizied human beings.
I sure hope Shea isn’t a spectre of things to come, i.e., someone who’s sworn to protect the “white race.”
Shame on Spokane Valley for electing this guy in the first place.
ValleyJames on February 05 at 1:38 p.m.
Does anyone else find the allegations of domestic violence against Shea troubling? Domestic violence is a serious issue. If these allegations are in fact true, they speak about what sort of a person Shea is, and how he should not be appointed to the Senate.
Also, if Shea had to be disarmed while in the military and subject to a mental health evaluation, that is also serious.
Shea’s pattern of behavior would lead one to conclude he had a terrible, and even violent anger problem. This is not a desirable trait in an elected official.
hawken on February 05 at 1:40 p.m.
James: While I’m awaiting your response to my question above, as I don’t know anything about the “Spokane Patriots Minutemen”
Maybe you could also give you thoughts on this:
___________________________________________
The Associated Press reports today that Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan “says presidential candidate Barack Obama represents hope that the United States will change for the better.”
http://themoderatevoice.com/17984/louis-farrakhan-endorses-obama-at-saviours-day-event-in-chicago-a-tale-of-who-shall-be-king/
Tell me what you think of Farrakhan’s endorsement of Obama. Obviously, you haven’t condemned Obama for the endorsement.
While I’m waiting for you to establish that the “Spokane Patriots Minutemen” are a “white supremacist” group. Maybe they are? Show us.
Meanwhile, we all know about Minister Louis Farrakhan and his Obama endorsement.
Silly games you play…
hawken on February 05 at 1:47 p.m.
Valleyjames … allegations?
Obama is alleged to have been born in outside the US and not qualified in that sense to even run for president. And, of course, we have not seen an original birth certificate, issued by an American hospital. Have we.
Since when do unfounded allegations convict anyone? Seems to me you are using the typical “character assassination.”
More silly games.
Shadedmuse on February 05 at 2:38 p.m.
Before you start critizing PCO’s I just want to say any registered voter can run for PCO, I encourge everyone to get involved in your local political party either it be Republican or Democratic, you can file with county auditor every two years, and the election is decided in Primary, also all registered voters need to attend their caucus next year if you don’t then the Matt Shea Minutuemen tea-bagger types will and we will end up with extreme far right canidates like Matt Shea, Glen Beck Sara Palin types.
TheRain on February 05 at 3:15 p.m.
I think sowinso mostly get it right, and I further think that Shea’s people have really hurt his brand during this entire process. If they had sent Shea along with Padden and someone else with the credentials to do the job, this would be a non-issue. Instead the perception is that Matt Shea can’t stand on his own as a candidate, and that’s a shame.
Were I the county commissioners, I’d appoint Baxter and let the primary play out as an open process this August.
Dazzeetrader11 on February 05 at 3:27 p.m.
Padden was sandbagged by the PCOs. Shea isn’t suitable because of his background check. Not good….very bad in fact.
Dunno who the seat will be given to but Shea need to run for the Senate not muscle, bully and intimidate (far right wing friends) his way into a senate seat so he can run as an incumbent.
If he wants the seat, he can run for it in 6 months. It looks like mob rule. He won’t be there in the end would be my guess.
He’s done little to nothing in his term. Just bully and anger people. I do know his service in the military got him a few medals but it also got him some very very black marks. He apparently has major anger management problems and cannot control himself with other people.
Spokane needs a smart diplomat who can work with everyone. Shea can’t do that because he isn’t “that”. Messy deal getting messier because of Shea and his terrible right wing supporters (fans).
Threaten and make all the phone calls you want Shea fans…it’ s over. No free ride to a Senate spot.
DickAdams on February 05 at 3:42 p.m.
Seems to me, the Spokesman Review is way out of line using the above the fold, front page, headline. With the reputation of the SR however, it might help Shea. They know how to pick on and back political pimps.
zelda on February 05 at 3:44 p.m.
This is what life is like now in Spokane. The political races have turned into a choice between the Jukes and Kallikaks.
We have people saying “Don’t judge me, don’t judge me” to reporters as SCRAPS hauls 120+ starving animals from their property and scrapes up the remains of 75 dead “pets.”
There’s a letter to the editor in today’s S-R praising and defending Roy Murry and it’s not meant as satire.
My head hurts.
hawken on February 05 at 3:54 p.m.
Zelda,,, turn on MSNBC, if Chris Matthews is on, maybe he can give you some relief.
zelda on February 05 at 4:04 p.m.
Oh, I do, I do, Hawken. But even when Matthews has substantive guests on his show, he talks over them and they’re drowned out by their own host.
I sure do miss Bill Moyers Journal.
reservedparking on February 05 at 4:09 p.m.
@undooly:…”Sounds like Matt Shea is extremely qualified for the job.Thanks for posting his credentials….”
Credentials? Copied and pasted from campaign literature qualifies as credentials???
Orphan on February 05 at 4:28 p.m.
Spokanecouger We live in a representitive Republic not a democracy. Its no wonder you expect different results if you dont know the difference.
WFaulkner on February 05 at 4:32 p.m.
If Mike Padden or anyone else had been one of the selections they would have been in Olympia by now.
In the S/R article from last Summer Senator Bob is quoted as having said,
“He points out that the officeholder has no real say in his replacement”
but in today’s article McCaslin complains,
” he believes Shea broke his word on a deal to include former legislator and District Court Judge Mike Padden among the nominees to replace McCaslin”
The majority of PCO’s who wanted Shea for Senate smelled this out and presented a Paddenless trio to select from. There were rumors that The Powers That Be wanted a more compliant Padden in the Senate.
“The wolf doesn’t howl unless there is meat behind the door” and the 4th District PCO’s slapped the wolf on the nose. That wolf is howling bloody murder now.
de3 on February 05 at 4:37 p.m.
I asked around and obtained a copy of the email that called for a “flash mob for liberty”. A “flash mob” is not something scary or threatening in the least. Please search Youtube for “flash mob”.
It reads like ordinary political speech. The most threatening part is it says “Listen to the people … or get voted out of office”. How scary!
The meeting organizers in Spokane were not familiar with the popular term “flash mob” (this being little Spokane, I guess) and mistakenly thought that was threatening. So they canceled the meeting.
We need to remember that political speech, whether you or I agree or disagree with that speech, receives the strongest protections under the First Amendment.
Here is the text of the original email so that people can judge for themselves.
CALLING ALL PATRIOTS!
We need as many of you as possible to join us for one hour on Saturday morning, January 15, from 8-9am, at the New Life Assembly Church, 10920 E. Sprague Ave (just east of University Rd.) This will be a FLASH MOB FOR LIBERTY!
Why the Flash Mob? There is a special meeting of the 4th LD PCOs this Saturday, January 15. The purpose of the meeting is to select three potential replacements for Sen. Bob McCaslin’s senate seat. Sen. McCaslin is stepping down because of health problems. The process involves 3 rounds of voting, with the majority nominee from each ballot being placed on the slate as FIRST CHOICE, SECOND CHOICE, and THIRD CHOICE. The slate will be presented to the County Commissioners, who will then appoint one of the three to fill the senate seat.
Rep. Matt Shea is the obvious choice for Senate, and the person we in the 4th, and all of us in the state, need to see installed in the senate.The County Commissioners, however, may decide to override the will of the PCOs and appoint someone OTHER than the first choice of the voting body. THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN!
We want to have a large, vocal crowd outside the venue, holding signs with a common theme: Commissioners, listen to the people! Defy us and you WILL be voted out of office! We want the commissioners, who will very likely be in attendence, to see the signs and the people as they walk into the building. We can’t be subtle: this appointment is CRITICAL TO THE FUTURE OF WASHINGTON STATE, AND IS BEING WATCHED AND MANIPULATED BY PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE STATE.
Let us also overwhelm their phones with the same message! Call the commissioners and let them know that you support Rep. Matt Shea for the vacant Senate Seat, and you expect them to accept the clear choice of the PCOs on Saturday.
… Names and phone #s of elected people in the email were deleted …
Bring your signs, and join your fellow Patriots. Thank you, and God Bless Us All!
D Statler on February 05 at 4:49 p.m.
Point well taken @ reserved. Shea was fairly elected as a representative.It would only make sense that he could be elected again if he ran. I personally don’t know Matt Shea. I do personally know Jeff Baxter and his family.I would vote for him in an instant.He is an honest man that has great leadership qualities.His common sense is exactly what we need in these critical times.If the other two candidates are ruled out already. It is time to get Jeff Baxter to Olympia to protect the interests of Eastern Washington.Hopefully our Commissioners will hurry up before any more critical descisions are made in Olympia!
Shadedmuse on February 05 at 5:08 p.m.
A perfect eample of a Flash Mob is what is going on in Eygpt.
mmspowaus on February 05 at 5:22 p.m.
The S-Review is influencing this choice…this is not there purview folks…they are to report not influence…
Why put Murry’s Mug on the front page when it was really a page 8 story; as it was for the much more serious DUI and accident of Debra Wilde? Is it because she is a former employee of S-Review sister company Q6? Could it be the S-Review placed the Murry story on page 1 to generate momentum to redo the process so as to get a candidate of their faction? (It seems anyone but Matt Shea is expectable…)
Didn’t Mielke resign his position as State rep for the 6th district to become a well paid lobbyist? Wasn’t there a huge Public Disclosure Commission violation involving thousands of dollars that precipitated his hasty resignation?
Didn’t Mielke have a bitter, bitter, divorce…
The faults we think we first see in others we know deep down to be true in ourselves…
One more thing…I believe Roy Murry was charged but not convicted in Spokane County or anywhere else as John Craig’s article claims….I wonder if they will do a front page retraction if I’m correct?
I wonder what other facts John Craig got wrong in this article.
The S-Review brought the Shea disillusionment issue up back in 2008 via Jon Craig on the very day the ballots for primary election were in hands of the voters…
Coincidence or trying to influence?
hawken on February 05 at 6:40 p.m.
d3…. thanks for the work digging up the copy of the email. One would think it would put an end to the misrepresentation of what a “flash mob” means. Unfortunately, it would have to be posted again and again on different strings.
Those who make such misrepresentations have proven not to be deterred, even after having seen the evidence. Innuendo and character assignation are commonplace with this group.
Sad, but true.
Dazzeetrader11 on February 05 at 8:13 p.m.
Padden was indeed promised. The PCO’s ( under some influence from the Shea camp) didn’t submit his name to the Co Commissioners so he couldn’t be in further consideration.
Shea’s a mess. FInd someone else Spokane Valley. Redoe the whole PCO process if necessary. Call it off in needed but you deserve better. What to do when a party is overrun by crazy people who then claim primacy in representation? This is what’s happening.
Begin over with safeguards in place. Adequate representation demands everyone gets a chance . This is is a takeover in the Valley and it wont’ end well. I’d hazzard a gues that most of the Valley people had no say in the process. SOmebody call Diana WIllhite and get her opinion. One thing is recurrent is that given some privacy (to avaid being threatened) , there is not one person who would endorse Shea.
zelda on February 05 at 8:35 p.m.
Daisy — Isn’t this the definition of a tyrant? Nobody wants to publicly denounce Matt Shea out of fear that doing so will jeopardize their political future. When does it stop? Some fortitude is called for. Spokane Valley already is on par with Elbonia.
Shadedmuse on February 05 at 8:48 p.m.
the Only way you can do redo the PCO’s is YOU will have to run for PCO in your Precinct, find out who your PCO is an run against him or her, each precint has a Republican and Democratic PCO and they are in charge of your Caucus meeting next ear that will choose your Party Nominee, in 2008 the Democratic caucus were packed with a Mix of Obama and Hilary supporters and they choose who will get the delegates to send to District caucus Conty and State and National Conventions, in closing if you have a Beef with your PCO then find out who your PCO is contact them tell them your wishes and if they disagree then run agaisnt them, you can find out who the PCO’s are at the Auditor website, they are all elected officals in your Neighbourhood.
Scoutster on February 05 at 9:32 p.m.
The edifice is cracking: Daisy and Hawken disagree.
madsen2fir on February 05 at 11:08 p.m.
A comment on the process - in order to preserve the voice of the people, I wish the process specifically disallowed someone appointed to fill a seat due to a resignation from running for the position in the next election. The PCO’s could focus on available experienced leaders, and not become too fascinated at the opportunity to be king (or queen) makers. This would prevent insider politics from influencing the PCO’s and the commissioners, and likely get the job done quickly to allow the district continuous representation. It should be a temporary position.
Although Sen. McCaslin’s resignation was driven by an unfortunate health emergency, such a system would also prevent game-playing by elected officials of any party to try and pass on a seat by creating an instant incumbent.
Wishful thinking, I know.
zelda on February 05 at 11:19 p.m.
It would be entertaining to watch this GOP schism locally and nationally if it didn’t feel so ominous. Well, maybe it will turn to the Dems advantage if the tea partiers are giving the ol’ mainstream Republicans are getting a case of the heebie-jeebies. A renegade third party can be a disaster. After all, Mitt Romney’s background and corporate experience with Bain doesn’t synch-up well with self-appointed commando types. Maybe they need to summon up the ghost of Lee Atwater to help them think through this dilemma.
greenlibertarian on February 06 at 12:12 a.m.
Man, and I remember when the Dem party held the record, lock, stock, and barrel, on the circular firing squad. Now the Repubs are ratcheting up the in-fighting to a great degree.
(Saint) Raygun told ya’ll decades ago: Eleventh Commandment.
These teabaggers haven’t a clue. What a surprise, they’re zealots. My way or the highway type dolts.
Quite funny.
GretchenMcDevitt on February 06 at 12:30 a.m.
One minor point: The PCO meeting was held as scheduled. Only the location of the meeting was changed.
Re: Jeff Baxter As a senator, I am sure that Jeff would be a conservative voice in the senate and the 4th District Republicans would be pleased with his work and votes. He is an experienced businessman, has been involved in the political process, ran as a write-in candidate to the school board and is the new President of the Spokane Valley Republican Action Club. He must be well thought of by Matt Shea’s group or they would not have picked him as their second nominee. As a new senator, he would have as much support and advice as he needed from his colleagues.
jbhale on February 06 at 10:21 a.m.
Daisy and Zelda:
What a load of tripe! Look through the various comments here, there are all kinds of people denouncing Matt Shea. Matt is no tyrant, and no white supremacist. You two are simply local democrats spewing your vile lies in an attempt to capitalize on the media storm created by the commissioners and Spokesman Review colluding to screw up the process.
misjustice on February 06 at 4:47 p.m.
Daisy Minken, a demoncrat? Now I have heard it all!
; )
Boxerguy1 on February 06 at 11:26 p.m.
I can’t believe it! Here we have a State Senator, Bob McCaslin, complaining to County Commissioner, Todd Mielke, that he made a “deal” with a State Representative, Larry Crouse, and a District Court Judge, Mike Padden, to arrange for Padden to be on the short list of candidates to be submitted to the County Commissioners for selection of the vacated senate seat and he is blaming State Representative Matt Shea for not taking part in this admitted attempt at collusion. And we are led to believe that
the problem here is Matt Shea? Really?
The State Constitution calls for an election to take place with the duly elected PCO’s of the district the seat is vacated, to pick a list of 3 candidates to be submitted to the County Com-missioners from which the new senator is chosen. If the com-missioners don’t chose, the list goes to the Governor to make the selection. That is the law.
I was present at the meeting of the 4th District PCO’s and I witnessed the election process as an observer from the 3rd District, from which I am a PCO. I had no dog in this hunt. I was a neutral observer. There was a list of 6 candidates nominated and Mike Padden was one of those candidates as well as Matt Shea. There were 70 PCO’s of 74 total registered and voting, an obvious quorum. All 6 candidates were given equal time to make their pitch to be selected. Matt Shea had at least 40 of the 70 first ballot votes and nobody else was close. He was the choice of the 4th District by far and Mike Padden did not make the cut in three separate votes. This process was done accord-ing to the legal method prescribed. The question remaining is are the County Commissioners going to HONOR the will of the duly elected representatives of the 4th District (the PCO’S) or are they going to INFLICT their own will on the people of the 4th District, and yes commissioners, all the residents of the county will be watching.
Every day that the commissioners delay this process is another day the CITIZENS of the 4th District are DENIED their RIGHTFUL REPRESENTATION in the STATE SENATE in a most
important legislative session. This is where the citizens will find out if their choice is in deed a good choice, or if they will need to elect someone new in the special election.
Senator McCaslin could have avoided this problem if he had not run for office and just let the people chose their next Senator. But he chose to run, be elected, then resign and try to
have his hand chosen replacement put into office in a backroom
“deal”. WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE SPOKANE? Why are we not investigating this admitted attempt at collusion? This is a prime example of why we need term limits. To many times an elected office holder comes to believe that the office he holds is his or hers to do with as they please. But the truth is all the seats belong to the CITIZENS who elect these folks and the elected are supposed to be HONORING the choices of the CITIZENS.
Spokane county citizens we can do better and we deserve better. Thank you, Dave White, PCO 3rd District #3108
jbhale on February 07 at 1:52 p.m.
Since I doubt this will get the same press attention as the other side is giving it, I post it here in hopes that a few people will see it.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2011
Matt and Viktoriya Shea Saddened by the Politics of Personal Destruction
It is with great sadness that we address you today. The appointment process for the State Senate Seat has now dragged on for over a month and will be one of the longest in the history of the State of Washington. Sadly, personal agendas and vicious personal attacks have clouded the issue. However, these attacks are not just aimed at our family, they are aimed at our constitutional foundations and Christian principles and have thus compelled us to respond. Outside of one brief interview, I have never before publicly spoken of these things. My wife Viktoriya and I do not intend to do so again.
It is correct that I steadfastly refused to acquiesce to a back room deal to appoint a particular chosen “heir” to the 4th District Senate seat. In our Republic, a self-appointed aristocracy who “know better than the voters” has always been shunned. While the two most qualified candidates for a vacated Senate seat are always the sitting state Representatives, the people should always have a say, and did through their elected Precinct Committee Officers.
Regarding my previous marriage, I attempted everything in my power to keep the marriage together but to no avail. My former wife hired an attorney and filed for divorce. I discovered later that her attorney was a very prominent Spokane County Democrat. She and her attorney proceeded to make several outrageous allegations. This has, unfortunately, become a standard practice in many, if not all, divorce proceedings to gain leverage in settlement negotiations. I will not dignify those untrue allegations with a response, as I believe they dishonor Viktoriya.
During that time I was the executive director of a pro-family advocacy organization. At my behest, the board of directors, composed of a group of local Christian leaders, conducted a formal and thorough investigation including a complete review of the entire court file and interviews of my former wife and me. They completely exonerated me concluding, “the allegations had no basis in fact.”
2 ½ years ago these same painful allegations were brought before the public twice in articles published by the Spokesman Review. This is now the third time. In 2008, the voters of the 4th District overwhelmingly found the allegations to be without merit and a non-issue. They voted accordingly.
With regards to my military service, my numerous medals, decorations, commendations, and citations speak for themselves. This includes a Bronze Star for service that I was awarded on the final day of my tour of duty in Iraq by my Battalion Commander.
My wife Viktoriya and I are saddened by the politics of personal destruction and the distinctly anti-Christian and anti-veteran tenor of actions and comments by some during the last two weeks. Continuing to deprive the 4th Legislative District of representation in the State Senate during this critical budget crisis is reprehensible. Meanwhile, with the support of my wife, I will continue to fight for the citizens and businesses of the 4th District upholding my principles of lower taxes, less government and more freedom. Instead of the politics of personal destruction, we need to get Washington working again. I endeavor to do just that and I encourage all of my supporters everywhere to join me in that fight.
Matthew and Viktoriya Shea
Descolada on February 07 at 4:58 p.m.
Really to bad you miss the point Mr. Shea. The 4th District PCO’s were simple tasked with sending three QUALIFIED candidates to the BOCC. While you may - or may not - be qualified, the other two individuals haven’t the qualifications of the others who ran. And your letter…truly sad. You state that “…her attorney was a very prominent Spokane County Democrat”. Inasmuch as you weren’t an elected official at the time, what does that have to do with anything? As for the Board of an agency which one of your bio’s indicated you formed giving you a PASS after a “thorough investigation” is totally without validity. No answer in your letter to the charge that you had “anger management” problems while in the service should be of concern to all. And as a 4th District resident and businessperson, I’m at a loss as to what you have done that affects the 4th district directly. It would appear that the issues you get involved with are always those that have national import as well as national attention. There are some in the 4th that tout you as a possible candidate for Governor. Wow—on what basis I wonder. Lastly, your comment “anti-Christian and anti-veteran tenor” is really trying to throw everyone off the main track and that is, do we really want Matt Shea to represent us? I think not.
greenlibertarian on February 07 at 9:12 p.m.
Bullets a-flying!
More popcorn!
soundbarrier on February 08 at 10:13 p.m.
“When somebody breaks his word to me, that is a cardinal sin,” McCaslin said. “That’s the kiss of death in the Legislature.”
What else should McCaslin expect? Both he and Shea are politicians. They break their word every election cycle. Especially the GOP at the national level.
Americantomboy on February 09 at 11:30 p.m.
After reading the article and ALL the comments I decided that an attempt to address everything is to much for me to attempt on a college schedule, and Mr. White from the 3rd District covered many topics well. This is why I am only addressing a few that I hold near and dear to my heart as an all American citizen.
First, to Spokanecouger and others of the same mindset… Really? A democracy? When Benjamin Franklin was asked outside of independence hall as to whether we had a republic or a monarchy, he replied, “A republic, if you can keep it,” without any hesitation. Those of you who base your beliefs on the fact that the USA is a democracy please check your facts. This link is informative on the matter http://www.wimp.com/thegovernment/
Second, Roy Murry was charged for having a firearm and now people are going crazy. George Washington said, “The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference they deserve a place of honor with all that is good.” The second amendment to the constitution of These United States CLEARLY states, “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” This amendment, along with the very foundations of our nation, seems to have been forgotten by many.
Thirdly, I attended the PCO meeting on Jan. 15th and was fascinated by the way things turned out. This selection process was done according to the Washington state constitution and does well in making sure the people are reprisented. It was clear that the majority of the PCO’s chose Matt Shea as their first choice, Jeff Baxter as the second and Roy Murry as their third. It is important to note that Mike Padden was on the list of those nominated. Former senator McCaslin says, “He believes Shea broke his word on a deal to include former legislator and District Court Judge Mike Padden among the nominees to replace McCaslin” but in actuality, Matt Shea held about 1.43% in each of the three votes, everyone else, like Shea, had the opportunity to decide for themselves who they were going to vote for. Thus it is utterly absurd for McCaslin to believe that it is Shea’s fault even IF he had agreed to put Padden on the list.
In closing, the commissioners do not want to choose Shea because they can not control him. He strives to do what is right for the people of the USA as well as what is morally right in the eyes of God. Matt Shea is clearly not only the most qualified of the three on the short list, but also the first choice of the people from the 4th district. If you, or anyone you know, has a problem with the way this has turned out you can follow some simple steps (hopefully you have already done the first one) :
-Register to vote
-Follow politics and know the voting record and viewpoints of the person you are voting for
-Vote
-Attend a caucus
-Become a PCO
-Attend critical meetings like the one on 1/15/2011
If you have not done these things, don’t whine and complain about Shea, Baxter, or Murry getting on the short list.
~American tomboy Rae Chelhes
“I’ll keep my God, guns, freedom, and money, you can keep the change”
EagleEye on February 11 at 3:10 p.m.
James_I ,
You really DO need to offer up some facts (if you can) to back up your “White Supremacist Militia” allegations. Either put-up or shut-up if you hope to salvage any credibility. This type of mud slinging is not unusual among Liberals who are losing an argument and usually confirms that they are intellectually bankrupt in any serious discussion.
Rae, Excellent summation, thank you!
McCaslin put himself out to pasture (thankfully) and then somehow expected to still be the Kingmaker through backroom political dealmaking - unbelievable!
Matt Shea decides not to “play ball” with the long corrupt, WSRP and predictably, every conceivable smear tactic is trotted out to try to bring him down.
It’s completely obvious where the Spokesman’s so-called “journalists” and editors allegiences are. So much for “fair and balanced” reporting around here! (no wonder so many people continue to cancel their subscriptions).
All of this is truly sad to watch and even worse when the usual cadre of armchair pundits that frequent these threads perform their usual sniping from the sidelines, most often without any shred of evidence or facts to support their vitriol.
Here are some facts:
1) Matt Shea won 2 elections in the 4th District in overwhelming fashion, even after the voters had considered the “negatives” against him. He ran unopposed in the 2nd election and is clearly the People’s choice.
2) Matt Shea won the majority vote among the local PCO’s in a lawful, WA State Constitutional process. Too bad that the “powers-that-be” were outmaneuvered (they are usually quite masterful at bending and changing the rules whenever it benefits their cause) - they were beat at their own game and HATE IT whenever that happens. Shea is the clear choice of the PCO’s.
Matt Shea has served with distinction, both in the military in 2 campaigns and also in his current elected position and has proven that he doesn’t mind standing up to the corrupt power brokers in the WA State Republican Party as he fights for jobs, lower taxes and insurance reform. He is an independent-minded maverick and we need many more people just like him to even begin to make a dent in the corrupt power structures that dominate our State.
Sorry McCaslin, you’ve just lost all credibility and should probably consider the effect of your meds upon your ability to think clearly before writing or speaking in public again…
EE