Election Center
Related Coverage, Page 18
Charter school backers paid big bucks to get on ballot
OLYMPIA – Supporters of a ballot measure to put charter schools on the Washington ballot for the fourth time paid more than $2 million to an out-of-state firm to gather the signatures that virtually assure them a vote in November. Reports filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission show the campaign for Initiative 1240 paid about $2.1 million to PCI Consultants Inc. of Calabasas, Calif. A spokeswoman for the campaign had refused to reveal the amount spent on signature-gathering, or the company that received it, when supporters turned in signatures last Friday.
Gov. Jindal visits Spokane for McKenna fundraiser
The frontrunner to be the Republican nominee for Washington governor brought a GOP star to Spokane on Wednesday to help raise money for his campaign. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal – often listed as a potential vice presidential nominee this year as well as in 2008 – joined Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna soon after disembarking from a private jet at the Spokane International Airport Wednesday afternoon.
On ballots, expect single marijuana, marriage options
OLYMPIA – Washington voters could face ballot measures this November on marijuana, same-sex marriage, charter schools and supermajorities for taxes. But they won’t face more than one on any of those topics. Supporters of Initiative 1240, which would allow up to 40 charter schools in the state’s public systems, and Initiative 1183, the latest proposal to require two-thirds majorities for taxes in the Legislature, plan to turn in their signed petitions Friday morning, the final day to submit laws that can be passed directly by the people.
Shawn Vestal: No second thoughts for Lisa Brown
It’s been a few weeks since Lisa Brown set off the most intense political scramble in years, when she unexpectedly announced that she would leave the state Senate. Since then, between the farewell parties, a trip to Zambia with her Gonzaga students, and some off-session legislative tasks, she hasn’t had lots of time for second thoughts.
Ruling highlights partisan split
OLYMPIA – When a divided U.S. Supreme Court settled the question Thursday of whether federal health care reform is constitutional, it turned up the spotlight on the issue for Washington’s hotly contested governor’s race. Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna, one of the original plaintiffs in the failed multistate challenge, said he was surprised by the ruling but insisted he was relieved, not disappointed.