Campaign ‘96

Dueling sweet tooths

U.S. Rep. Jennifer Dunn had the sweetest reminders for delegates attending the state Republican convention this weekend. While most candidates were handing out buttons and stickers touting their names, her forces were passing out maple bars with Dunn’s name written in white on the maple icing … Not to be outdone, state Sen. Ann Anderson passed out cookies bearing her name as delegates broke for lunch.

Candidate sighting

Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Nita Rinehart was in Spokane last week to hold a press conference at the Spokane Health District Building, praising the county’s Suicide Prevention Task Force. Good topic, but the connection her campaign used to get media attention was tenuous. As Senate Ways and Means chairwoman, Rinehart supported $1 million for the 1995-97 biennium to support such programs statewide. It’s too new to prove how effective that money is.

Scenes from Bellevue

Republicans proved they have mastered the medium of television during their two-day state convention in Bellevue. Sessions opened with the elephant stampede scene from “Jumanji” and slow periods were filled with slick videos from the National Republican Congressional Committee that touted Republicans’ big wins in 1994…One video interspersed clips of the national media discounting any chance that Republicans would capture the U.S. House of Representatives with clips of candidates who beat Democrats. One snippet that drew hoots from the convention showed Rep. Dick Gephardt telling CNN: “Tom Foley’s going to be elected tomorrow and I’m going to be proud to be running for majority leader.” Republicans think 1996 is a REALLY important election year. “The most important election we’re going to face as we go into the next century,” said U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings.

Faith in the system

One political meeting this week won’t feature a candidate or a friend or foe of a ballot issue. Instead, the Interfaith Alliance of Washington will explain how people can get involved in politics to promote compassion, tolerance and justice. The alliance supports religious diversity on election issues and challenges groups that preach intolerance … Meeting is 7:30 p.m. at North Hill Christian Church, Post and Wellesley.

Lines of the week

“Bob Dole is a man of conviction. Bill Clinton is a man facing conviction.” - Rep. George Nethercutt, to the state GOP convention. … “We do not have any freemen running for office in Montana. … Big Sky Country has become Big News Country this spring.” - Gov. Marc Racicot.

Catch the candidates

Monday: Democratic governor candidates at a forum sponsored by the Magnuson Democratic Club, Noon, Ridpath Hotel, Legend Room.

Thursday: Republican John Moyer re-election campaign kickoff for 3rd District state Senate, 7:30 a.m., Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park, $15 per person.

Campaign calendar

June 10: Campaign finance reports due from candidates.

June 29-July 6: Nominating conventions for minor party and independent candidates.

July 5: Signatures due for petitions for ballot initiatives.

July 22-26: Filing week for all state and local candidates.

, DataTimes MEMO: Campaign ‘96 is published during campaign season, and is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports.

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