Initiative campaigns for the two ballot measures endorsed by the Whatcom Democrats – 1068 and 1098 – are headed for the final week of signature gathering. All petitions are due in the Secretary of State's office by July 2, and campaigns are asking people with petitions to turn them in by no later than Monday, June 28. Any petitions may be returned to the Whatcom Dems office.

June 17, at a well attended meeting of the Whatcom County Democrats, the membership voted on endorsements for the 2010 primary election. A two-thirds super majority was required for endorsement.

Candidates previously endorsed by the Whatcom Democrats are indicated by an asterisk. Challengers “certified” by the Whatcom Democrats as democrats are indicated by #.  All current announced candidates are listed.

U.S. Senate: Incumbent Patty Murray* is running for re-election. Republicans Dino Rossi, Clint Didier, Paul Akers, and others are challenging.

US House, District 2: Incumbent Rick Larsen* is running for re-election. Democrats Larry Kalb# and Diana McGinness#, and Republican John Koster are challenging.

It's time once again for the grassroots of the Democratic Party to choose it's representatives – Precinct Committee Officers – who will govern the Party for the next two years, including the 2012 Presidential caucus and campaign season.

To run for PCO in your precinct you will need to file during the week of June 7-11. See details below.

WHY IS BEING A PCO IMPORTANT?
PCOs govern the local Democratic party by electing the officers and adopting the bylaws.  Two of the officers they elect are our representatives on the State Democratic Party's governing body, who in turn elect the state party officers.

Local Democrats are gathering April 10 at Shuksan Middle School at 10am-3pm to ratify their platform (read it HERE), set the Party’s direction for the next two years, and elect delegates to the state convention. It is also an opportunity for voters to hear from Democratic candidates for the state legislature, as well as other local races.

State Senator Dale Brandland (R-42) announced his retirement on the floor of the Senate this week, setting in motion a number of announcements from other legislators and candidates scrambling to claim first dibs on the open seat. Rep. Doug Ericksen (R-42) immediately announced he would give up his seat in the House and run for the Senate seat in the 42nd District. This leaves Ericksen's House seat open.

The Whatcom Democrats have endorsed the Whatcom Transit Authority Levy increase of .2% sales tax, which will be considered by all Whatcom County voters in April.