Late September 2018 Newsletter

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Since last year’s elections, Democrats have had a razor slim majority in Olympia, but it’s not enough to pass major legislation on education, clean energy, and gun safety. This fall’s elections could change that. If we flip 2 or more seats in each house, the legislative picture next year will be one of progress not stalemate.

This fall we have chances to flip 6-8 more seats. With just a few weeks until the election, now is the time to focus: dollars donated now will impact the final strategic decisions the campaigns are making.

Our strategic recommendation: give money and/or time to the candidates below, each of whom has a great chance to flip their district. This is the moment to help us make progress on Washington’s education, health care, and public safety. Timing truly does matter.

Claire Wilson (D), president of the Federal Way School Board, is challenging incumbent Trump supporter Mark Miloscia in State Senate District 30 (Federal Way, Des Moines, Auburn.) This district voted 57% for Clinton in 2016, and Democrats outvoted Republicans in the primary 52% to 48%. Help Claire flip this seat.

Pinky Vargas (D), a Bellingham city council member, is challenging Tea Party incumbent Doug Erickson who ran Trump’s WA campaign. This race, for State Senate District 42, includes parts of Bellingham, plus Blaine, Lynden, and Ferndale. This is a major flip possibility with Democrats having done well in the primary, beating Erickson 54% to 46%. Pinky needs support now.

Erin Frasier (D) is challenging incumbent Jim Walsh (R) for State House District 19 in southwest WA (Aberdeen, Longview, Kelso, Montesano.) The two ran neck and neck in the primary, so Frasier has a great chance of taking this seat. Give to her campaign now to help her get out the vote.

Bill Ramos (D) is running for an open seat being vacated by Jay Rodne (R) in State House LD 5 (Issaquah, Maple Valley, North Bend, Preston, Fall City, Carnation.) This is ground zero for Washington’s hotly contested congressional seat (WA-8) where Democrat Dr. Kim Schrier is running to flip Dave Reichert’s seat. Support for Ramos will also help Schrier. Let’s lift both to victory.

Mari Leavitt (D) is an education administrator and small businessperson challenging incumbent Dick Muri (R) for State House District 28 (SW Tacoma, Lakewood, Fircrest, and Steilacoom.) She did great in the primary, beating Muri 53% to 47%. With a final push she should be able to flip this seat. Give to her today.

And finally, a new campaign we’re adding to our Friends of WA action list! Great things are happening in State District 26 (Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, and Bremerton.) Emily Randall hit it out of the park in the primary with her incredibly hard work ethic and impressive knack for connecting with voters. She came in first in the primary for State Senate 50% to 46% against her Republican opponent in a seat suddenly left open by retiring Republican Jan Angel.

Randall is a third-generation Kitsap Peninsula resident and was raised in a family of veterans and union workers, hospital employees and educators. Early on, she learned that government can be a tool for good when the legislature expanded Medicaid access and her sister Olivia - born with severe developmental disabilities - received life-saving health care coverage. Serving as her sister's caretaker and being the first in her family to go to college, led Emily to dedicate her career to expanding access to health care and education opportunities. In Olympia, Emily will protect the rights of women and broaden education opportunities. She's refusing campaign contributions from corporate PACs and she'll hold special interests accountable by closing wasteful corporate tax breaks so that we can better fund our schools. Give to Emily Randall today.

This is it folks. Now is the time to donate your time and money. Because together, we will win.

Sincerely,
Your friends at Friends of Washington
www.friendsofwashington.org