Election Center
Related Coverage, Page 13
Both liquor initiatives take control from state
Washington voters may think they’re seeing double this fall when they scan the Nov. 2 ballot. Two separate initiatives ask them to do something the state has studied for years but failed to enact: end state control of liquor sales and distribution. The ballot titles of Initiatives 1100 and 1105 may seem nearly identical, and both measures would close state-run stores where customers now must go to buy liquor. In general, retailers who sell beer and wine could start selling gin, vodka, tequila and bourbon if they obtained a license from the state.
Rally to bring out labor voters focuses on I-1082, Boeing bid
An initiative that would privatize Washington’s workers’ compensation system is one of the key issues that will bring the state’s union members to the polls, labor leaders said at a Spokane rally Wednesday. Al Link, secretary-treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, joined hundreds of workers at the rally at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. Link said the workers’ compensation system is “probably the number one priority” for the labor council.
2nd WA Senate debate set
2nd WA Senate debate set
Got a question for Murray or Rossi?
Got a question for Murray or Rossi?
Arizona lawman endorses Labrador
Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona, who has been called “America’s toughest sheriff,” was in Coeur d’Alene on Monday to deliver his anti-illegal-immigration message at an annual Republican fundraiser. In the process, Arpaio, who also is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for alleged violations of inmates’ civil rights, endorsed Republican Raul Labrador, who is campaigning to unseat first-term Democratic Rep. Walt Minnick. Arpaio said he believes Labrador “will help America solve the problem of illegal immigration.”
Con: Initiative 1098 would hurt economy
Let me start by saying that I am a lucky guy. I’m a self-made man who retired at 33, is way overmarried to a fabulous physician and is blessed with three great kids who are in a wonderful local school. I was raised by two hardworking school teachers in Spokane and received a good public education.
Pro: Initiative 1098 is about fairness
I am proud to be chairman of Red Lion Hotels Corporation and former CEO, but my thoughts on the importance of Initiative 1098 are my personal observations. However, it is the 40 years helping build and lead a company that forms my conviction on why we really need 1098.
Baumgartner and Marr: Privatization
Washington state Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner discuss their positions on privatization of liquor sales and the state’s ferry system.
Mager, French debate raceway, waste
The “only candidate who has created jobs” will face the “only fiscal conservative” in a prerecorded county commission debate tonight at 7 on KSPS-TV. Spokane County Commissioner Bonnie Mager will cite her opposition to the purchase of the Spokane County Raceway as evidence of her ability to pinch a penny.
Marr, Baumgartner debate freeway spending; Does Seattle take more than its fair share?
Marr, Baumgartner debate freeway spending; Does Seattle take more than its fair share?
Marr changing TV ad that lacked disclosure
The state Public Disclosure Commission is warning state Sen. Chris Marr that he violated campaign law by failing to mention his Democratic Party affiliation in a TV ad. Phil Stutzman, the PDC’s director of compliance, said the commission won’t open a formal investigation because Marr’s campaign agreed to change the advertisement.
Primary dominated by older voters, data show
If you don’t like the choices produced by Washington’s Aug. 17 primary, you have two choices: • Blame voters over 55, who cast most of the ballots.
Baumgartner and Marr: Income tax initiative
Washington state Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner respond to the question, “Do you support Initiative 1098, which would create an income tax on individuals who earn at least $200,000 and lower the business and occupation tax and the state property tax?”
Marr campaign warned to display party affiliation
Marr campaign warned to display party affiliation
Motorcyclists want candidates’ attention
Motorcyclists want candidates’ attention
GOP far ahead in race for ad money
WASHINGTON – In one way at least, the fight for control of Congress is grossly one-sided. Just five weeks from midterm elections, groups allied with the Republican Party and financed in part by corporations and millionaires have amassed a crushing 6-1 advantage in television spending, and now are dominating the airwaves in closely contested districts and states across the country.
More looks at the ‘Pledge’
More looks at the ‘Pledge’
Centrist voters ask for options in election
WASHINGTON – Galvanized by the lightning-in-a-bottle success of conservative tea party candidates, moderate Republicans and others in the political center are looking for ways to push back against what they see as an advancing tide of ideological extremism. The efforts are loosely organized and embryonic, but politicians, advocacy groups and others are piecing together a framework to promote moderate candidates and advance positions they say have been eclipsed by partisan sniping on both the right and left.
Primary costs multiplied by precinct committee officer races
Local taxpayers shelled out hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Aug. 17 primary to help political parties elect their precinct committee officers. The primary would have cost taxpayers in Spokane County only $42,314 if state law didn’t give political parties a free ride.
McMorris Rodgers backs GOP ‘Pledge to America’
U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers was among congressional Republicans making a “pledge” Thursday to change the way the federal government works if they regain control. But her campaign opponent, Daryl Romeyn, said she and other Republicans should skip the grandiose statements and take some responsibility for things they did when they were in charge.