Campaign ‘96

Is she a smart cookie, or what?

Like most Republicans seeking statewide office, state Sen. Ann Anderson was in Spokane over the weekend for the county GOP fund-raising dinner. She may have made better use of her trip, doing a series of phone-in radio interviews and newspaper visits to plug her campaign for lieutenant governor … During one such stop, she explained why she is seeking that job now, when four years ago she ran a tough campaign for a much different statewide post, the lands commissioner. Change of priorities and emphasis, she said, from natural resource and school issues to reforming government. If elected, she’d like to lead a task force on regulatory reform … Anderson gets the nod for the most unusual gimmicks on her campaign literature to date. The fliers are sealed with a piece of red tape, which one must cut (get it?) to see inside. On the back is her special recipe for chocolate chip “Victory Cookies” which she says she makes every Election Day for her campaign workers.

Democrats making up?

Congressional candidate Sue Kaun’s campaign announcement was notable for several things, beyond the fact that the former freeholder wants to challenge Republican Rep. George Nethercutt … The crowd of about 70 local Democrats contained representatives from the party’s various factions, some of whom barely have been on speaking terms in recent years. Time will tell if trying to retake control of the state House, Congress, and the local congressional seat is enough to force local Democrats into a lasting truce … Several potential legislative candidates were in the crowd, watching Kaun and preparing for announcements in the coming weeks.

Worst press release of the week

On March 11, Sen. Malcolm Wallop, R-Wyoming, faxed out an angry statement denying that Steve Forbes would soon quit the campaign and criticized an unnamed source in an Associated Press report who said that would happen. “Obviously, this person has little or no relevance to the campaign and is not high up within the organization,” Wallop said … Two days later, Forbes said adios. Wallop did not fax out a comment.

Web site of the week

Wondering about all those names on the Washington state primary ballot? Wondering why we have a primary and caucuses? Check the Washington Secretary of State’s Online Guide to the primary (http:/ /www.wa.gov/96pres/contents.htm) for answers … You can find numbers on how and where to register to vote, print out an application for an absentee ballot, and link up with government agencies that provide information on campaign spending.

Catch the candidates

Monday: 12:30 p.m. - Deborah Senn announces her re-election campaign for state insurance commissioner, Spokane County Democratic Headquarters, Lindaman Center, Washington and Mission. 6:30 p.m. - Nita Rinehart, candidate for governor, Democratic Headquarters.

Campaign calendar

March 25: Last day to request an absentee ballot for the presidential primary.

March 26: Presidential primary. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

April 10: Campaign finance reports due from candidates for state and local office.

April 13: Spokane County Republican Convention, Whitworth College. Spokane County Democratic Convention, Rogers High School.

, DataTimes MEMO: Campaign ‘96 is published regularly during campaign season, and is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports. To submit information on a political event or a question you think the candidates should answer, write us c/o The Spokesman-Review, Box 2160, Spokane, Wash., 99210. Or e-mail to jimc@spokesman.com. Or fax to (509) 459-5482. Or call Cityline at 458-8800 on a Touch-Tone phone, then press 9893 to leave a message.

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