News For 20th Legislative Democrats

Stories on this page:

• LD Convention for LOCAL Candidate Endorsement
• Legislative Update
• New Officers Elected at Reorganization Meeting
• Resolution Calling for the Withdrawal of the United States Military from Iraq
• The 20th Pitches In At The State Crab Feed--Photos and Story!

LD Convention 4/21 for local candidate endorsements
(Posted April 9, 2008) We had a lively Executive Committee meeting in Thurston County this evening to decide what we are going to do about the State’s edict that we must hold County and LD conventions to elect party nominees to each office.  After discussing the pros and cons, the EC voted to hold simultaneous conventions of PCOs, including proxies if the PCO is unable to attend, in each of the County’s Commissioner Districts to elect the official Democratic candidate.  We will also notify each Democratic Candidate ahead of time that this is being done to satisfy the State Central Committee and that we will still endorse all of them and provide them with Campaign Services in the Primary and if they are both successful, in the General Election as well.

None of the Legislative Districts in our two Counties have more than one candidate for each of the Legislative Offices.  Therefore, under the State rules, we may endorse all of them by acclamation at an LD Convention.  In the 20th LD, we will hold our Convention on April 21st, during the regular monthly meeting.  Each candidate will be introduced, given two minutes to speak to the assembled PCOs and nominations will be called for.  Once nominated, a motion will be entertained to accept the slate by acclamation and that is all there is to it.  I will make sure that the Candidates will be there. 

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Legislative Update, January 26, 2007

By Mike Rechner, Chair, 20th LD Democrats

18 days into the 2007 legislative session and things are starting to get interesting.  Here is a quick summary of some of the big issues that have come up so far and what the legislators from the 20th Legislative District have been up to so far.

A number of important issues have been discussed already.  A bill that would ban initiative signature gatherers being paid by the signature, HB1087, received what can only be termed “lively” discussion in the House State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee on January 26th.  The Chair of the committee, Rep. Sam Hunt from the 22nd LD, had to use his gavel more than once to keep things in line.

Another notable bill that is moving quickly and has already been passed by the House and Senate is HB 1168.  The bill would require protesters to remain 500 feet or more from funeral processions, the grave site and the funeral home or building where a funeral service is taking place.  Violators could be charged with disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail. 

Both the House and Senate have introduced measures to move to require simple majorities for school levies as well.

So, what have your legislators been up to so far this year?  Rep. Alexander sits on two committees this year, Health Care & Wellness and Appropriations and is the ranking minority member on each.  He is the prime sponsor of a bill that would facilitate the construction of the Equestrian Center in Lewis County.  None of his other bills atre directly related to the people of the district.

Sen. Swecker sits on three committees this year, Transportation, where he is the ranking minority member, Government Operations and Elections, and Natural Resources, Oceans and Recreation.  He is the prime sponsor of the Senate version of the bill to facilitate the construction of the Equestrian Center.  He is also sponsoring a bill that would help create an industrial land bank.  But most notable is his sponsorship of a measure that would require the people of Washington to vote on an amendment to the State Constitution that would limit marriage to a man and a woman.

On to the last member of the 20th LD delegation, Rep. DeBolt.  Rep. DeBolt sits only on the Rules Committee, which is normal for someone in the leadership role.  But after 600 mine workers lost their jobs in November, the best he can do is prime sponsor a bill that would allow motorcycle riders to proceed through a red light if their motorcycle is not heavy enough to trigger the signal to change.  I’m sure the mine workers will be relieved.  Lastly, when asked a few days ago about how much the Governor and legislative Democrats are consulting the minority party about legislation, he replied, “Once a month isn't bad. It's about what convicts get with visitations.”  A fine response from someone in that is supposed to be a leader.

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New Executive Board Elected at 2007 Reorganization Meeting

Bob Guenther (right), longtime Chair of the 20th Legislative Democrats, passes the gavel to Mike Rechner at the January 8th Reogranization Meeting. Also elected were:

• Deana Zieske, First Vice Chair
• Heather Highmiller, Second Vice Chair
• Karen Anderson, Secretary
• Ed Smethers, Treasurer
• Bill Little, State Committeeman
• Margaret Sundstrom, State Committeewoman

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Resolution Passed At The March 14th Meeting Calling for the Withdrawal of the United States Military from Iraq

Whereas, we, the 20th Legislative Democrats, strongly support the men and women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. We also recognize the sacrifices being made by those serving in Iraq and stand ready to assist our returning Service members in any way we can; and

Whereas, we now know that the Bush administration knowingly used faulty intelligence to lead the American people and the Congress into the United States led invasion of Iraq in March 2003; and

Whereas, to date there have been 1495 American Military Members killed, 1358 since “mission accomplished” and 10968 wounded, many with life changing injuries; and

Whereas, the United States military cannot afford to have its men and women scattered around the world on senseless, futile, un-winnable and illegal wars; and

Whereas, to date the war in Iraq has cost the people of the United States nearly $160,000,000,000.

Now therefore be it resolved: we call upon our Congressional Representatives to

• A. cause the administration to develop and implement a plan for the immediate withdrawal of all United States military members from Iraq ; and
• B. support a thorough bipartisan Congressional investigation of the manipulation of intelligence throughout this administration; and
• C. facilitate an investigation into the apparent profiteering condoned by the White House, with an eye toward bringing criminal charges against those who may have misled the public and dishonestly profited from the war.

Be it further resolved that the Washington State Democrat party join us in our request.

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20th Legislative Democrats Help Out At The 2.21.05 Annual Crab Feed
Twentieth Legislative Democrats assisted with the annual Washington State Democrats' Crab Feed on Monday, Feb. 21 at St. Martin's Pavilion in Lacey.  Our crew set up, served, helped in the kitchen, cooked, registered, and cleaned up!  It was a "well-oiled" machine this year under the leadership of Judy Guenther. 
      Over 650 PCO's and good Democrats were served during 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.  This was a larger crowd than 2004, and that was an election year!
      Judy gave kudos, thanks, and roses to Helen Carlstrom, former State Committeewoman, Olympia Democrat, and organizer of the Crab Feed for 16 years. Paul Berendt, State Party Chair, introduced Governor Gregoire, Congressman Brian Baird, Lt. Governor Brad Owen, and State House Speaker Frank Chopp. All gave inspiring and rousing speeches to those assembled.
      From what we are hearing from those who attended the event this year, this was one of the best organized and executed ones. Many thanks go to Judy Guenther for organizing and Helen Carlstrom for inspiring us all to volunteer for the good of our Democratic Party.  A portion of the proceeds from the function will go into the 20th LD Democrats treasury.

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