Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Campaign ‘96

Compiled By Jim Camden From Staf

Now you know

During the 1994 campaign, candidate George Nethercutt labored assiduously to avoid saying how he would vote on a repeal of the contentious assault weapons ban. It would depend on the language of the proposal, which he would have to study, Nethercutt said repeatedly at debates. Then-Speaker Tom Foley was in the sights of National Rifle Association members for voting yes on the ban, and Nethercutt was the beneficiary of a $50,000 independent campaign by the NRA … Well, now both sides know what they may have long assumed: Rep. Nethercutt voted to repeal the ban Friday when it came before the House … But we don’t know anything in depth about his reasons, or his thoughts about the hurry-up process the repeal experienced as it rifled through the House. Nethercutt wasn’t available for comment, either the day before or the day of the vote … His spokesman Ken Lisaius answered queries with this explanation: “His vote is consistent with his tough-on-crime legislative record and with his steadfast support for the Second Amendment.”

Convention time

While Washington’s two largest political parties will hold their state conventions on the other side of the state - Republicans in Bellevue, Democrats in Seattle - the Libertarians are opting for Spokane this year … The state’s third largest party will hold its meeting April 27 and 28 at the Ridpath Hotel, with a tentative lineup of speakers that includes presidential hopeful Harry Browne, veep candidate William Bradford and Ron Taber, a candidate for state superintendent of public instruction … Taber’s appearance doesn’t signify affiliation. The SPI post is nonpartisan. More information on the convention is available by calling 1-800-353-1776.

Close call for candidate West

The Washington State Patrol frowned last week on a double-parked mobile home at the state Capitol. The 35-foot Eldorado conspicuously emblazoned with Jim West for Lt. Governor placards was taking up two reserved parking spaces, and the men in blue were readying their pens and ticket books … West had stopped at the Capitol after completing the first leg of his Aberdeen to Zillah campaign trek. He managed to move the tan campaign cruiser without incident or citation.

Website of the week

If you’re bored already with the real presidential campaign, or mad that it’s all over before we even got a chance to vote, the Internet can offer some relief … Forget about Bill Clinton and Bob Dole and participate in a virtual presidential campaign, complete with candidates, issues and debates. President ‘96 (http:/ /www.pres96.com/index.html) has rules that take a little time to read, but nice graphics, interesting issues and twice-weekly updates of national and international “events” that affect the fictional campaign. The only request from the inventors - who obviously have some experience in politics - is that participants “play nice.”

Campaign calendar

Monday: Last day to request an absentee ballot for the presidential primary. Tuesday: Presidential primary. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

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

May 31-June 1: Washington state Republican Convention, Bellevue.

June 1: Washington state Democratic Convention, Seattle.

Catch the candidates

Monday: GOP presidential candidate Pat Buchanan at the downtown Spokane Red Lion, 6:30 p.m. reception with $100 reservation; 7 p.m. rally, free. Call 623-4432 for reservation information.

, 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, the press 9893 to leave a message.

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

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, the press 9893 to leave a message.

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