Rich Cowan
A candidate for U.S. Representative, Congressional District 5 in the 2012 Washington Primary
Party: Democrat
Age: 68
City: Spokane, WA
Occupation: CEO and founder, North by Northwest
RICH COWAN
Education: Graduated from Juanita High School in Kirkland, Wash. in 1974. Earned broadcast journalism degree from Washington State University in 1979. Earned human nutrition master’s degree from WSU in 1984.
Work experience: Co-founded North by Northwest Productions in 1990. Worked as the community affairs director for KHQ-TV from 1986-1990. Served as a firefighter and emergency medical technician at Washington State University while a college student. Served on Community Colleges of Spokane Vocational Advicsory Council in mid-1990s. Former Eagle Scout.
Political experience: Ran for Congress in 2012 against U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
Family: Divorced. Has two adult children.
Contact information
More about Rich Cowan
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) | 76,116 | 55.48% |
| Rich Cowan (D) | 46,031 | 33.55% |
| Randall Yearout (R) | 10,743 | 7.83% |
| Ian Moody (N) | 4,307 | 3.14% |
Related Coverage
Candidates for Congress weigh in on top issues
Two years ago, Democrats were divided about their choice to challenge U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. But this year, party officials worked to unite the party early behind Spokane businessman and filmmaker Rich Cowan and persuade other potential candidates, including former Spokane Mayor Mary Verner, to stay out of the race.
Rich Cowan, Q&A on 15 topics
1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? For 22 years I served as CEO of film company North by Northwest Productions. Our company brought a new industry to the Inland Northwest, and hundreds of family-wage jobs along with it. I know how to create jobs, minimize debt, and build for the long term. Those are the skills we need in Congress. More importantly, I am not a puppet of a political party or corporate interest – I am dedicated to finding solutions to our common problems and fighting for the needs of Eastern Washington. We need a representative for “our” Washington, not the “other” Washington.
Randall Yearout, Q&A on 15 topics
1. Why do you feel that you are the best candidate? The general feeling that the federal government has grown too big for its britches has a constitutional remedy, and I appear to be the only candidate who will work towards that remedy. 2. What legislation is your top priority for 2013?
Marijuana activist files for Congress
A Spokane man active in efforts to legalize marijuana entered the primary for Eastern Washington’s congressional seat Wednesday. Ian Moody, 32, who said he is a leader of the Sensible Spokane Alliance as well as an original member of the Occupy Spokane protest, filed for the seat currently held by Republican Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Moody listed no party preference. Rich Cowan, former chief executive officer of North by Northwest, filed earlier this week as a Democrat, and McMorris Rodgers has not yet filed her paperwork although she is actively campaigning.
Into endorsements
None
Cowan opens campaign office
As a political novice running against a member of the congressional leadership, Rich Cowan said he hopes to use what some would consider his weakness against what many would consider Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ strength. “This is the worst Congress ever, and she’s part of the leadership of it,” said Cowan, who opened a campaign headquarters Tuesday in Spokane.