Washington 2020: The Calm Before the Drizzle

[bgwah]

Andy Hill's Democratic challenger looks pretty strong on paper: http://sammamishreview.com/2014/01/26/matt-isehower-announces-senate-run

[Meeker]

I hear good things from those who have met him.

[bgwah]

And a strong challenger for Rodney Tom emerges: http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2022830630_mcbridetomxml.html

[smoltchanov]

And a strong challenger for Rodney Tom emerges: http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2022830630_mcbridetomxml.html

It's "top 2", so, he, who will win a moderate vote, will, probably, win it all

[KingSweden]

I'm not sure that there are really that many flippable seats on the map for the GOP, since they maximized their gains in 2010 and many D seats were drawn to be safer since then, but I do think that the D's have a good chance of knocking out Harris and O'Ban and (kind of) knocking out Tom, even though he's technically a Democrat. Just losing Tom would cause the MCC to collapse, it seems like, and I think there'll be at least one more flip.

I saw somewhere somebody talking about the Democrats flipping 4 to 5 seats, which I think is ludicrous, but if so maybe they could start with my local Senator, Michael Baumgardner...

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Inslee suspends death penalty

[publicunofficial]

Inslee suspends death penalty

He's re-won my vote, but I'm afraid he might lose a few others.

[smoltchanov]

Inslee suspends death penalty

He's re-won my vote, but I'm afraid he might lose a few others.

A LOT of others, you mean...

[publicunofficial]

Inslee suspends death penalty

He's re-won my vote, but I'm afraid he might lose a few others.

A LOT of others, you mean...

Washington hasn't executed a prisoner in over 10 years. It's hardly a hot-button issue here.

[smoltchanov]

Washington hasn't executed a prisoner in over 10 years. It's hardly a hot-button issue here.

I know. But many will like to have such possibility for especially abhorent case..

[Seattle]

Inslee suspends death penalty

He's re-won my vote, but I'm afraid he might lose a few others.

A LOT of others, you mean...

Washington hasn't executed a prisoner in over 10 years. It's hardly a hot-button issue here.

Uhh, that's not true. Cal Coburn Brown, 2010?

[KingSweden]

Inslee suspends death penalty

He's re-won my vote, but I'm afraid he might lose a few others.

Uhh, that's not true.Cal Coburn Brown, 2010?

A LOT of others, you mean...

Washington hasn't executed a prisoner in over 10 years. It's hardly a hot-button issue here.

Good for him. I voted for McKenna in '12, but I like Inslee (so far). Better than Gregoire, at least...

[Meeker]

http://www.politico.com/story/2014/02/doc-hastings-retirement-103493.html?hp=l3

Didier for Congress!

[Meeker]

To the surprise of no one, State Senator Janéa Holmquist Newbry has formed an exploratory committee.

Meanwhile, the people cry out for Didier.

[Alcon]

What's the name the wind whispers to the wheat

From Pasco to the Okanogan?

Clint...

...Clint Didier.

[Meeker]

New entrant in WA-04: Dan Newhouse, former GOP state representative and Ag Director under Governor Gregoire. I actually like Newhouse quite a bit (for a Republican). I hope he wins.

[Alcon]

New entrant in WA-04: Dan Newhouse, former GOP state representative and Ag Director under Governor Gregoire. I actually like Newhouse quite a bit (for a Republican). I hope he wins.

I like Newhouse too.  I'm also worried about Clint Didier, and the inexplicably strong base he has in the Tri-Cities.  Congressman Clint Didier...ugh.

[Meeker]

Susan Hutchison did an interview with KUOW earlier this week and it's bizarre: http://kuow.org/post/susan-hutchison-republicans-have-been-too-weak-too-long

She brags about a robocall she recorded, talks about how she says things "candidates can't say", favorably compares the state party to Wal-Mart... I'm only halfway through listening.

ETA: There is apparently a "natural connection" between Latino voters and the Republican Party.

ETA part 2: They're "terrific citizens" omg omg omg

[bgwah]

Kirkland bans pot stores in rich neighborhoods: http://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/City+Council/Council+Packets/020414/9a_PublicHearings.pdf

Funny/depressing given they've included a convenient map and table showing that part of the city voted for it most strongly, but I guess it's only okay if they are in poor neighborhoods!

[publicunofficial]

NIMBY's gonna NIMBY

[Meeker]

Pretty amusing night down in Olympia. The State Senate is currently in session but in recess. They're unable to vote on their supplemental budget proposal because a "satirical amendment" accidentally got added in committee and now they can't figure out how to take it out.

[Meeker]

This ain't good: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/03/06/3082010/former-democrat-mark-miloscia.html

[bgwah]

Do you think he's favored against Eide?

He was never the good kind of moderate, and he's probably just bitter he got demolished in the State Auditor primary.

[Meeker]

I wouldn't say he's favored, but it'll be a tough race for her. This is Pete von Reichbauer's old district after all!

I'm not really sure of any politician in the United States with views like Miloscia's. Dan Lipinski is the closest thing, but I think he's more conservative on fiscal and economic issues than Miloscia is.

[publicunofficial]

Maybe not THE dullest midterm


I-594 will create background checks on ALL gun sales. I-591 would limit background checks except for those required by federal law. I know which one I'm voting for, but I could see either one passing.

Dueling initiatives are always fun.