My Vote -

With ballot in hand, it has occurred to me that I'm in a unique voting position this year. Having been behind the scenes on the campaign trail, I've seen most of these candidates in their true blue form. With the chance that I may have to influence others through my opinion, I will share some thoughts here. Feel free to distribute as you see fit.





US Senate-

-My vote goes to Dino Rossi. I never had the opportunity to meet him in person, but I did meet his wife. She was delightful, and a true supporter of her husband's campaign.



26th Legislative District

State Senator-

-Marty McClendon has my vote. On the several occasions I've had the opportunity to listen to him speak, I've become confident in him as a devoted family man and an enthusiastic patriot. Any learning curves that he'd face in the transition to State Senate will be quickly overcome by his strong work ethic and sanguine relational skills.



State Rep. Position 1-

-Jan Angel. She's been a positive advocate for us in Olympia, and will only continue working in the best interest of the people of Washington. She's been interested and involved in our community, as well as a consistent educator regarding the legislative issues in Olympia. I was impressed with her commitment to our community before ever meeting her and in the few times I have had the pleasure of her company, she's been gracious, kind and welcoming, never intimidating. Listening to Jan Angel speak on the issues and activities at the capitol surely inspires confidence. I have absolutely no hesitation to mark my ballot, sending her back to represent my family and the people of our district.



State Rep. Position 2-

-Doug Richards. Wow. This is an inspiring candidate and someone who will be an educated and proactive representative in Olympia. Jess and I actually met his oldest daughter at the Pierce County Republican Convention, where she stood up and gave a 'stump speech' for her dad. This 18 year old daughter stood up and professionally addressed a group of seasoned politicians and activists. She was a positive reflection of her father and his campaign. A dad who can raise up a daughter with such confidence and grace already has my admiration if not my vote. After meeting Doug in person, hearing him speak a few times, and getting to know the rest of his family and campaign team, I can say that this is someone who will represent our district with integrity and transparency.



Pierce County Auditor-

-Kent Keel. I've only met him a couple of times, but he's educated and experienced in the fields necessary to successfully manage this office. Friendly and devoted to his wife and family, he's got my vote.



Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney-

-Bertha Fitzer. Qualified, hard-working, and spunky, she's earned my vote and admiration.



State Supreme Court Justice Position 6-

-Richard Sanders. Great reputation, ethical team.



Pierce County District Court Position 2-

-Claire Sussman. Experienced and intelligent. Confident and very nice.



Soapbox moment: You really can tell a lot about a candidate by the way their campaign team conducts themselves. If the team behaves in a way that seems shady or corrupt, most likely the candidate will conduct himself/herself in much the same manner if elected. I also believe this to be true about negative advertising. I feel that a candidate should be communicating to the constituents all of the reasons why he/she is the best candidate for the office, not smearing the opponent with a list of reasons that they would be worse. In the end, we as voters end up trying to elect a candidate based on who's 'less bad' and everybody loses. For this reason, I'm not going to litter my blog with anecdotes of candidates behaving badly. Regarding the races and candidates I haven't commented about, either I haven't met them personally or don't have anything constructive to add. My lack of comment is not necessarily a negative. Dino Rossi, Marty McClendon, Doug Richards, and Jan Angel specifically are outstanding candidates of high moral character and integrity. I enthusiastically support their campaigns and encourage others to do so as well. Anyone with specific questions regarding a candidate can ask me personally about them.



Regarding the initiatives, referendums, and resolutions, a great resource I've discovered that helps me understand the true gist beyond the 'muck' of political speak is the Evergreen Freedom Foundation. They've put together a guide that helped me decide how I'd vote. http://www.informedvoterguide.com/ is where you can find that info online.