John Carlson (R)

Sun., Aug. 27, 2000

Personal

Raised in West Seattle. Married to Lisa Carlson, two sons.

Employment

Hosted Seattle talk-radio program (1986-March 2000); syndicated newspaper columnist (1990-March 2000).

Education

West Seattle High School (1977). Bachelor’s degree in political science, University of Washington (1981).

Political history

Lost 1984 race for state House of Representatives. Chaired three statewide initiative campaigns: Initiative 200, which banned state Affirmative Action programs; “Three Strikes You’re Out” Initiative 593; and Initiative 159, which lengthened prison terms for armed crimes.

Issues

Voter approval for all future tax increases; property tax reduction; contract out state services to private firms; add residential burglary and methamphetamine to list of “Three Strikes, You’re Out” crimes; opposes Microsoft breakup; opposes sales tax on Internet purchases.

Finances

About $850,000 as of Aug. 7.

Web site

www.johncarlson.org

Quote

On education: “The temptation from Olympia is to micromanage. Why? How many legislators have to sit in a classroom all day?”

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