Campaign ‘95

Who’s Who

But what do the pigs think? Last year, freeholders were unhappy that their booth at the Spokane Interstate Fair was outside, in the rain. But it doesn’t pay to complain. This year’s weather has been perfect but Fair organizers have put “We The People” - the pro-consolidation campaign that many freeholders joined - inside… the swine barn. “When the wind’s blowing the wrong way - whooeee,” said campaigner Al Lewis…Our suggestion: Hire a spider to weave the words “Some Charter” over the booth. If that literary allusion escapes you, check out “Charlotte’s Web” and read it to a child or grandchild.

Recycled slogan

Northwesterners of a certain vintage can remember a 1970s bumper sticker, “Save our Salmon. Can Judge Boldt.” (For those of uncertain vintage, it’s a reference to the federal judge who ruled Native Americans were entitled to half the harvestable salmon)…Old slogans never die, it seems. The 1990s version is aimed at Rep. Helen Chenoweth, R-Idaho, who has contended that salmon can’t possibly be endangered if she can buy them in the stores…”Save Salmon. Can Helen,” it says.

Politics on-line

The Times-Mirror Co. has a new Internet site for political junkies. PoliticsUSA will be offering breaking news, forums, campaign information and political profiles…Founder Steve Hull hopes it will fill the void created by TV, which gives quick snippets but no interaction between voters and campaigners. Internet browsers can find the site at http://PoliticsUSA.com where it will be free until Jan. 1.

Primary prognostication

Spokane County Elections Officer Tom Wilbur, who studies these things, predicts county-wide turnout for Tuesday’s primary election will be between 30 and 35 percent, which is about average for an off-year primary…Several crowded council races and the Pacific Science Center vote may up the average in the city of Spokane, but numbers could fall off in large sections of the county where the only ballot item is the county library bond issue, he said.

Election updates

As usual, The Spokesman-Review will offer the latest election results available on Cityline. You can call 458-8800 on a Touch-Tone phone, then press 9494 to get a list of options for different Spokane County results…But wait until about 8:30 p.m. before calling, to give the elections computer time to spit out the first set of numbers.

Campaign calendar

Monday: Last day to vote by absentee ballot. Last day for write-in candidates to file petitions of candidacy.

Tuesday:Election day. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

, DataTimes MEMO: Campaign ‘95 is published weekly during election season, and is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports. You can send information about political forums or meetings to us c/o The Spokesman-Review, Box 2160, Spokane 99210. Or call Cityline at 458-8800 on a Touch-Tone phone, then press 9893 to leave a message. Or send E-mail to jimc@spokesman.com for on-line readers.

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