Dems Turn Out Well in Primary
Can the General Launch V2008?!

The battle to take back the White House already is on. And the 2006 Primary here in Whatcom County shows just what we can do if we
are organized and energetic! While the overall Primary voter turnout was about the same as in 2004, thousands more Democrats voted this time than they did then. We’re building a base to toss the GOP and to get us out of their misdirected course.

The biggest vote-getter among our endorsed candidates was Mary Kay Becker, who received more than 20,000 votes countywide. These judge races were crucial, and Whatcom supported those we endorsed rather than the pro-growth slate. But $1.6 million—much of it from special interests out of state—helped fuel a nasty ad campaign. The margin for Alexander over Groen was narrower here and in Skagit County than statewide. This could be a precursor to I-933, the pro-growth initiative.

Bert Monroe and her troop of volunteers made our Get Out The Vote effort a success. Thanks to all who worked the phones and dropped the literature. We’ve never had such an effort for a Primary. And the candidates’ doorbelling has been phenomenal.

In the end, 17% of Whatcom County ballots were judged ineligible due to failure to mark a party preference or other errors. That means our margin of victory could be much smaller than it seems. So in the few weeks remaining before the General, we need to do everything we can. Remember, we’re building the foundation for victory in 2008!

At its August Central Committee Meeting, the members of the Whatcom Democrats endorsed the following candidates for public office, that will appear on the PRIMARY BALLOT:

US Representative Rick Larsen ricklarsen.org Adam White, 280-9861 adam@ricklarsen.org

42nd Rep, Position 2 Kelli Linville www.kellilinville.com Nicole Hagerman, 305-6395

42nd Rep, Position 1 Jasper MacSlarrow www.votejasper.com Jason Parks, 305-5229, jaseparks@hotmail.com

42nd State Senate Jesse Salomon VoteJesse.com Ellen Ware, 820-0071, ellen-ware@hotmail.com

40th Rep, Position 1 Dave Quall quall.da@verizon.net, (360) 424-3324

40th Rep, Position 2 Jeff Morris www.morriscampaign.com (360) 941-5678

NON-PARTISAN RACES
Court of Appeals Div 1 Dist 3 Pos 1 Mary Kay Becker reelectjudgebecker.com, (360)603-4925

Supreme Court Justice Position 2 Susan Owens

Supreme Court Justice Position 8 Gerry Alexander

Supreme Court Justice Position 9 Tom Chambers

No endorsement was made in the US Senate race because there is a Primary contest. The Whatcom Democrats delay endorsement until after voters have voiced their choice in the Primary Election.

On September 14th, the Central Committee gathered to hear the pro and con sides of each of the ballot measures that will appear on our general election ballots. Thank you to the very informative speakers who came to represent their issues. A listing of our endorsed position on these measures is now available on the web site.

» See Endorsed Positions on Ballot Measures

August 10 is the Central Committee Endorsement Meeting

One of the most important dates for Whatcom Democrats is the annual endorsement meeting. It is the meeting at which all those seeking endorsement by the Whatcom County Democrat Party will have a chance to speak their minds and let the rest of us know what they’re up to.

This year, an additional highlight of the meeting will be the first reading of the resolution changing the by-laws. While it may not SEEM like a highlight, it actually is an opportunity for everyone to help determine how their local organization is run. Copies of the proposed by-law changes will be available.

All Whatcom Democrats are encouraged to attend.