September 19, 2005
We report, you decide

Bob Strauss, of the Eastside Republicans and State GOP Committee, sent this in:

In yesterday’s mail some voters in the 9th Councilmatic District received a campaign mailing sent out by the Reagan Dunn campaign. This mailing was a Hit piece in the truest sense of the word; it was dropped at the last minute and put Steve Hammond in the worst possible light.

(Before I go on and in the interest of full disclosure; I need to let you all know that I have endorsed Steve Hammond, and that endorsement was made last January. I have pretty much stayed out of the race between Steve and Reagan because I consider them both friends, I think they are both qualified, and I don’t live in the district. That said, I also do not think it is appropriate for a Republican to drop this kind of hit piece on another Republican.)

The piece talks about Steve missing 144 votes, and highlights that he missed the 2005 budget vote. The number may be factually correct, but it leaves out the fact that he missed the bulk of these votes because his father died. Upon the death of his father, he went back east for the funeral and stayed a while to help his mother put his father’s affairs in order. All of the other members of the County Council were aware of the reason that Steve was missing votes, and they all understood. As one who believes in family values, I think Steve did the right thing and had his priorities in order!

The piece also talks about the amount of money that Steve spent on his offices, home and downtown. What it doesn’t say is that each Councilmember is given a budget for office expenses and that last year Steve did not use his entire budget. He gave that money [back] (in fact, I think he gave back more than any of the other Council members).

I have no problem with campaign mailings that point out the difference between candidates, but I consider this mailing over the top. (If Steve sent out this kind of mailing, I would be writing this e-mail in defense of Reagan.) I feel that it was important to let all of you know the facts behind the allegations in the mailing.

Bob Strauss

I recall hearing Reagan Dunn on the radio, promise not to run if the party nominated Steve Hammond, and vice versa.

From the mailer:

"Taxpayers spent over $18,000 equipping Hammond's Seattle office and his "district office" in his home with goodies including two color laser printers ($2,3000), [sic] 19" LCD monitors ($833), a camcorder ($556), a refrigerator ($282.10), two air purifiers ($652.73) and a very special executive chair for $790.17." (emphasis in original)

The italicized emphasis is curious. If Steve Hammond had needed to rent a district office outside of his home, I wonder if the above mailer would have asked why he was wasting taxpayer money on office space and not just working from a home office.

The implication in the above is that there's something untoward or graftlike about working from home (and being supplied to do so). In actuality, it was likely a huge increase in his efficiency and productivity, allowing him to work without a commute from Enumclaw.

It also begs the question: what are the other councilmembers spending, what is our evidence that Dunn would not also fill a home office with "goodies" even though his commute is much shorter?

Update: Thanks to reader Pudge for scanning the postcard: Front and Back.


Posted by Brian Crouch at September 19, 2005 12:46 PM | Email This
Comments
1. To be fair to Dunn, that was when there was still an open primary. Thankfully, that is no more, so him running in a partisan primary is totally legit. As for the mailing, though, I'll leave that up to the Republicans of the 9th District to decide. It sure doesn't make Dunn look good, though.

Posted by: Timothy on September 19, 2005 12:55 PM
2. Brian reminds us:

I also recall hearing Reagan Dunn on the radio, promise not to run if the party nominated Steve Hammond, and vice versa.

Remember, it's not about what the people want... it's about what the people can be talked in to.

Posted by: huckleberry on September 19, 2005 12:58 PM
3. "I also recall hearing Reagan Dunn on the radio, promise not to run if the party nominated Steve Hammond, and vice versa."

That was only if the top two system stayed in place. That was quite clear from the beginning. The only reason the convention was held was in response to the top two. When that went down, it was well understood that the convention meant little.

And frankly, if Hammond can't take it on the chin with a so-called 'hit piece' that mild, he doesn't deserve to be in politics. Something I've thought ever since the first time I heard him speak about how 'unfair' it was that there is a primary contest for the seat.

Posted by: Cliff on September 19, 2005 01:23 PM
4. I have made up my mind to vote for Steve a long time ago. Reasons:

1.) Steve was the one Republican on the KC Council, who voiced his opinion in the strongest ways about the need for a proof of citizenship, for voters registration. The other Rs barely mentioned it once.

2.) Steve was the one nominated by the Convention.

3.) Steve was the one, who went to all this trouble to come up to my door and campaign for himself, and I do not live in his old district. He was quite surprised that I knew who he was.

4.) Although both candidates may be well qualified, Reagan is still very young and will have a plenty opportunities to show his talents. He would be well advised to pick his opponents more wisely, (i.e. Jane H.?).

5.) The late mailings, an act of malice, just confirmed that I made the right desicion.

Posted by: EW on September 19, 2005 01:30 PM
5. Came across this quote today...

We are perpetually being told that what is wanted is a strong man who will do things. What is really wanted is a strong man who will undo things; and that will be the real test of strength. J K Chesterton 1874-1936.

Oh how that statement applies today!

I think the man for the job is Steve Hammond!
Thanks to Steve for being true to the people of his constituency!
Cindy

Posted by: cindy on September 19, 2005 01:33 PM
6. I haven't seen the mailing, so I can't comment on it (beyond asking Brian to obtain a copy or scan of it for the thread), but I can say that I watched for the signs of leadership from both of these guys all the way through the spring & summer, and only saw it in Mr. Hammond.

When agents for the Dunn campaign attempted smears on these pages I commented to the Dunn campaign that "with friends like these...", but never heard back from him or his staff.

Either they were indifferent or they tacitly endorsed the underhanded tactics.

Again, like cliff says. "if Hammond can't take it on the chin with a so-called 'hit piece'..."

It is my observation that Mr. Hammond can and does take it, and is capable of anything else you can dredge up and fling at him.

He earned my vote.....

Posted by: alphabet soup on September 19, 2005 01:36 PM
7. Gee,looks like Reagan is breaking his promise! Oops! Besides,a hit piece on a member of your own party unprovoked is so classless. Grow up Reagan!

Posted by: Laurie on September 19, 2005 01:46 PM
8. To be fair to Hammond: the party nominated Hammond. Dunn did not qualify his statement with "unless the top-two is thrown out by the court," that I am aware of. Please correct me if I am wrong.

It's a shame that the King County GOP lacks the leadership to stick by the will of its own membership -- who also were not told (again, that I am aware of) that their vote would be thrown out if the court overturned the top-two.

Cliff says Reagan Dunn said this; did he, explicitly? And were the voters told explicitly, as Cliff implied? I participated in the convention process in Snohomish, and there was no such indication that the nomination would stand only contingent on the court case, and in fact, our party's chair said he would fight in court if he had to, to make the nominations stand.

As to the documents themselves:

http://homepage.mac.com/pudge/.Pictures/ReaganHitBack.pdf

http://homepage.mac.com/pudge/.Pictures/ReaganHitFront.pdf

I don't know anything about Hammond or Dunn, FWIW. I don't pay much attention to KC affairs. I'm not picking sides here.

Posted by: pudge on September 19, 2005 02:04 PM
9. Pudge: thanks so much for that link.

Posted by: Brian Crouch on September 19, 2005 02:06 PM
10. What Bob Strauss doesn't say is that the Hammond campaign has been sending out hit pieces saying Dunn is a baby-killer, a homosexual and slandering his mother. Hammond supporters should also be concerned about his credentials - his "Masters" and "Doctors" degrees both came from a non-accredited diploma mill.

Posted by: Vagabond on September 19, 2005 02:17 PM
11. Unless you can back those accusations up with solid documentation, you leave me no choice but to delete your post, Vagabond. I'll give you an hour and then it's into the round file. Those are pretty serious charges.

Posted by: Brian Crouch on September 19, 2005 02:31 PM
12. I'm annoyed with Reagan Dunn. I saw his ugly reaction at the convention. I don't appreciate that he vowed to go ahead with his name on the ballot, against the decision of the convention and BEFORE the court decided it was ok. I don't like his tactics since the convention. While I was/am a huge fan of his mother, he is coming across as a spoiled brat who is determined to grab the crown he thinks is his entitlement.

Sorry, Reagan, not with my vote.

Honor and dignity go a long way, and Reagan is showing me neither.

Posted by: Cheryl on September 19, 2005 02:32 PM
13. I am so glad this was posted. I was waiting for a thread on this. I was so furious on Friday when I got this piece of crap in the mail. I was happy to see that Steve at least attempted to fight back with a phone dialer message.

This breed of dirty pool ticked me off so much that I hand-delivered a message to the "Friends" of Reagun Dunn UPS Box this morning. I wrote the following:

To Reagan Dunn and “friends”:

As a voter in Maple Valley, I am disgusted by your despicable use of last minute negative advertising against Councilman Steve Hammond, your opponent in tomorrow’s Republican primary. It was obvious that you intended to question Mr. Hammond’s integrity on the last real mailing day before voters like myself went to the polls. I was never firmly in Mr. Hammond’s camp until now.

When I went to the King County Republican Nominating Convention earlier this year, I was totally turned off by your attitude towards those of us you intend to support. You walked around with your own personal entourage (photographers and other media ilk) like you owned the place and Mama Dunn was waiting in the wings for her baby’s first campaign. Your subsequent whining about losing at the convention just shows that you are not a person to be trusted and only see this as the first step in your political career. Just a note, we don’t owe you anything because of your pedigree. You have to stand for something! As of now, all we can see is that you expect to be the crowned prince of our King County district!

Please note, I WILL be voting for Councilman Hammond (despite his missing 144 votes for a funeral and other family business). Should you manage to win in the primary on September 20th, I will symbolically boycott the vote in November. I would expect quite a few others will do the same. Your tactics and attitude are appalling. No wonder everyone hates politicians!

P.S. Please remove me from your calling and mailing lists. I no longer wish to hear from your false and misleading campaign “friends”.

Posted by: roughrider on September 19, 2005 02:39 PM
14. You ought to leave it, Brian. No better evidence of the road someone's taking than the slime that sticks to his boot.
BOO to reagan (D)unn!!

Posted by: 4wb on September 19, 2005 02:49 PM
15. Brian

I would erase it because vagabond can't back it up
and he knows it.Steve Hammond did no such thing
Every time I ask a dunn supporter what it was steve
did or said they either can't back it up or
they get upset because steve hammond actually
had the gall to point out difference's between
he and dunn.

If that is considered breaking the 11th
commandment they we are finished as a political
party.This is so typical of reagan dunn he
says he told his campaign to abide by the 11th commandment
and proceeds to through mud on his opponent.
What he really wanted was everyone else to follow it.

Reagan has 5 different reasons now for staying
in the race.So you see he never could make up
his mind why he stayed in the race.There was
never any discussion about reagan dunn staying
if the top two system was dropped.He didn't say
that in any interview after the convention.


Then of course he brings out the meth watch
and rural citzens bill of rights.Which aren't
bad ideas but when did he do it right close
to election time.


Reagan dunn could have introduced these ideas
months earlier.Instead once again its a
calculated move on Reagan's part.He wanted
the publicity the media would give him.
proving once again that this is about reagan
dunn and not the citzens of 9th district.


Posted by: phil spackman on September 19, 2005 02:56 PM
16. Reagan's mom worked hard as a candidate to earn my vote in 1992 and I was happy to vote for her and proud of her service

But my support was for the candidate, not the last name. And if the best her kid can do is a weak postcard like that, I won't be surprised when he loses this primary.

Hammond should be able to take the postcard hit, it's pretty weak stuff. Blind hit pieces like this don't come from an intelligent and organized victory strategy, but rather the frantic final efforts of a sinking campaign.

Sadly, it looks like a last grasp of desperation from the Dunn camp. I don't know Reagan Dunn and can't speak to his character, and I wouldn't say that one mailpiece should either, but I expected a little more class from someone with his last name.

Posted by: Christopher on September 19, 2005 02:59 PM
17. Reagan's mom worked hard as a candidate to earn my vote in 1992 and I was happy to vote for her and proud of her service

But my support was for the candidate, not the last name. And if the best her kid can do is a weak postcard like that, I won't be surprised when he loses this primary.

Hammond should be able to take the postcard hit, it's pretty weak stuff. Blind hit pieces like this don't come from an intelligent and organized victory strategy, but rather the frantic final efforts of a sinking campaign.

Sadly, it looks like a last grasp of desperation from the Dunn camp. I don't know Reagan Dunn and can't speak to his character, and I wouldn't say that one mailpiece should either, but I expected a little more class from someone with his last name.

Posted by: Christopher on September 19, 2005 02:59 PM
18. On the missing votes piece- is it not true that you can appoint a substitute stand in under these types of circumstances?

Posted by: Andy on September 19, 2005 03:12 PM
19. Mr. Hammond already had my vote, I was at a function, after the function he spent twenty minutes talking to me about King County issues and all I am is a single voter I belong to no club & have no poltical influence on anyone. Mr. Dunn was at same function for a quick photo op and left quickly as he came, this did not impress me. This flyer was nail in coffin for Mr. Dunn to get my vote I would hope a canidate who wanted my vote would be above this type of flyer.

Posted by: Kim on September 19, 2005 03:24 PM
20. I was at the King County Convention and to be fair, part of the rules were that if the top two rule was overturned before the primary, then all candidates receiving 25 percent of the vote or more would be allowed to run in the primary. The problem is that Reagan announced the very next day that he was going to run anyway.

I'll be voting for Steve.

Posted by: Bruce Welder on September 19, 2005 03:27 PM
21. It will be nice when the September fratricides...I mean primaries are over.
My index finger has gotten sore deleting all of the obscure and bizarre anti-Dunn propaganda that has been flooding my inbox. I'm not sure how I got on the mailing list since I've always been a Pierce County voter.
Just think, if Hammond wins, the folks from the Reagan Wing will actually have to start pulling with the rest of the team to start unseating Democrats in November instead of rattling on about how Dunn's mother is the "White Queen", "Predator" and how she betrayed some conservative candidates no one can remember way back in the 1980's.
And if Hammond loses, they can go back to not voting for Republicans anyway, that way they'll "teach" the King County GOP a lesson for foisting a "liberal" like Reagan Dunn on the people.
I don't have a dog in the race and I have friends who are volunteers on both sides. Quite frankly, both Dunn and Hammond are excellent conservative candidates who'll do an effective job in the future.

Wednesday can't come soon enough.

Posted by: Reporterward on September 19, 2005 03:43 PM
22. BTW, Steve Hammond also claimed last week that he was first to call for Dean Logan to go. THIS and proves otherwise.

BTW - a vote FOR Reagan Dunn is a vote AGAINST Dean Logan as he drafted a "no-confidence" resolution against that crook. Reagan Dunn is endorsed by - among others - The Seattle Times, The King County Journal, Island Republican and Josef's Public Journal.

A vote FOR Reagan Dunn is a vote FOR accountability and innovation.

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 19, 2005 04:29 PM
23. Andy, like you Steve Hammond had my vote the day he talked to me at a gas station for 15 minutes about the CAO, all before he mentioned that he was on the King County Council. He is a man of his word and an absolute champion for his constituents. County Council Seat 9 would only be a stop on the road to bigger things for Mr. Dunn. The residents of District 9 deserve real representation and Steve is the man to deliver it. The facts behind this pitiful mailer by the Dunn campaign only cement my choice.

Posted by: Hammond Supporter on September 19, 2005 04:44 PM
24. I'm totally confused who to vote for. I was leaning towards Steve Hammond... then I heard both of the candidates on the Kirby Wilbur show last week and thought Reagan Dunn came across much, much better on the radio. Steve sounded really urked and POd that Reagan Dunn was running against him. He just seemed to whine, whine, whine. Maybe I'll flip a coin.

Posted by: Tucker on September 19, 2005 04:55 PM
25. While not being a King Co voter, I find this debate interesting. I would like to point out one thing however:

"Reagan Dunn is endorsed by - among others - The Seattle Times, The King County Journal, Island Republican and Josef's Public Journal."

That's not exactly a ringing endorsement. The day I base my vote upon the endorsements of the media (and some of it hostile media at that) is the day I should be carted off in a padded truck.

Posted by: jimg on September 19, 2005 04:58 PM
26. Reagan Dunn Fan

This is supposed to be your justification
for the smear letter on Steve Hammond.
You people are really something.


Pudge

The reason that the King Gop hasn't done
anything is other than Bob Strauss and Monica
Tracey the central committee are all in the
tank for Reagan Dunn.I guarantee you if the
situation were reversed and Steve Hammond
broke his promise to drop out of the race.


The same people that have been standing silent
Would be screaming bloody murder until
steve got of the race.

Posted by: phil spackman on September 19, 2005 06:04 PM
27. Reagan Dunn Fan

This is supposed to be your justification
for the smear letter on Steve Hammond.
You people are really something.


Pudge

The reason that the King Gop hasn't done
anything is other than Bob Strauss and Monica
Tracey the central committee are all in the
tank for Reagan Dunn.I guarantee you if the
situation were reversed and Steve Hammond
broke his promise to drop out of the race.


The same people that have been standing silent
Would be screaming bloody murder until
steve got out of the race.

Posted by: phil spackman on September 19, 2005 06:04 PM
28. Did I miss where Vagabond proved his accusation against Hammond? He was given one hour, and that expired a long time ago. So, are we to believe what was posted, or is this just an oversight?

Posted by: Janet S on September 19, 2005 06:25 PM
29. jimg;

You may want to visit the two blogs named. As well as the King County Journal. Both of whom support what SP & Reagan Dunn is doing. One even calls Reagan Dunn the King County Councilor for the 39 Counties or something like that.

Phil Sackman;

That ad was a just, fast and fair attack on a man who had it coming. He shouldn't have spent OUR money like that in the first place. To quote BC Premier Gordon Campbell: "There is no such thing as government money. Just the taxpayers."

Remember, Reagan Dunn is fighting for YOU AND ME!!.

A vote for ham is ham.
A vote for Dunn is to make done Dean Logan.

Remember to vote for the candidates Dean Logan would not vote for! Reagan Dunn and Bob Ferguson!

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 19, 2005 06:26 PM
30. Good statement Roughrider.

I hope Hammond wins tomorrow because he is the true Conservative in the race and we need him on the Council. We don't need another apologist for "moderation" when it comes to critical issues. Hammond has been there for land use policies, taxation, moral values issues, and the proper role of government. He deserves support by the GOP tomorrow since he was nominated by the process in place at the time. I also just plain like Steve Hammond. He is a genuine good, honest, guy.

Posted by: Barry Nunn on September 19, 2005 06:28 PM
31. Vagabond has heard a rumor a friend has, too.

Oh well - remember to vote against the candidate Dean Logan would vote for. Small problem - Olalla, Kitsap County is where his mansion is. Of course, the Honest Elections Project will help cure this problem.

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 19, 2005 06:31 PM
32. Barry;

Why are you and roughrider voting for the Dean Logan candidate who didn't propose and support a no-confidence motion on Dean Logan?

Methinks any vote for Hammond = a horrible Republican who doesn't support the troops taking the fight to Dean Logan.

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 19, 2005 06:34 PM
33. Reagan Dunn fan

Your pathetic the more you run your mouth.
the more you bury yourself.You know as well
as I do Steve Hammond called for Dean Logan
resignation to.(yeah he wasn't first)but
he did do it.


I still have yet to hear what it was Steve
Hammond said or did to violate the 11th
commandment.Since your from Reagan Dunn's
campaign why don't you step up and tell us
all what it was?

Posted by: phil spackman on September 19, 2005 06:42 PM
34. Vagabonds comments are patently untrue. I am sure many other fine Americans that also earned degrees at the Southern Baptist School of Biblical Studies as Steve Hammond did would be suprised to find out that they were all victims of a diploma mill. Check it out the college is a member of the Florida Council of Private Colleges, Inc. And a national member as well.
Vagabond, you could have checked this out on the web, but of course, truth is not an important matter for you as a Dunn Fan.
This is what I am finding so disappointing... the type of people who think they are doing Dunn a favor with lies and nastiness, rather than making what positive comments they might be able to about their choice in a candidate. I wonder what type of candidate he is if he can't reign in these people who are obviously doing his campaign harm.

Posted by: cindy on September 19, 2005 07:07 PM
35. ...Hammond = a horrible Republican who doesn't support the troops...

You do realise the more you run your mouth, the more I and many others want to vote for this guy-- the ad critisising him for not voting while he attended to his father's funeral and affairs pushed me in Hammond's favor, but your yabbering is sealing the deal. Exactly how is it that he doesn't support the troops? What do you base this on? If you're going to start throwing out such incindiary comments, please provide some proof.

Posted by: Mike H on September 19, 2005 07:41 PM
36. Cindy

I would be more concerned why Reagan Dunn
has never condemned this behavior.This has been
going on for a while now.What other conclusion
can anyone come to except Reagan must be ok
with this rhetoric.

Posted by: phil spackman on September 19, 2005 07:56 PM
37. Hammond was a staunch supporter of the King County citizens who were denied due process when Sims' roving homeless concentration camp (AKA tent city) was plopped down into their back yards. As one of those citizens, he's got my vote, and no doubt several more.

Posted by: Organization Man on September 19, 2005 07:58 PM
38. Well...It's a shame to see Reagan Dunn behave this way... Steve Hammond can hold his own..

If I were to endorse candidates for this election they would look like this:

David Irons - King County Executive
Steve Hammond - King County Council
Orin Wells - King County Council
Jim Fuda - King County Sheriff
Suzette Cooke - Mayor - Kent

Posted by: Deborah on September 19, 2005 08:08 PM
39. Most people have mighty short memories when it comes to the type of BS that Dunn pulled with that mailer. It seems mighty desperate however considering the circumstances of Hammond missing votes due to family illmess.
I know neither of these candidates. Both seem a whole lot better than the LEFTIST PINHEAD majority in the Council now and the head criminal Don Ron Sims King.
My advice would be to let the voters decide tomorrow and move on. There are much bigger problems than to dwell on a spat like this between Dunn and Hammond.

Posted by: Mr. Cynical on September 19, 2005 08:09 PM
40. Vagabond says:
"What Bob Strauss doesn't say is that the Hammond campaign has been sending out hit pieces saying Dunn is a baby-killer, a homosexual and slandering his mother."

The Steve Hammond campaign has not issued a single "hit" piece against Reagan Dunn much less one containing the statements provided by Vagabond. Nor would you ever catch Hammond ever saying, much less thinking such things. Vagabond's statement is a fabrication.

Furthermore, Steve's doctoral degree is from a religious school (he was a pastor after all). That school is no more a diploma mill than any other religious educational institution, such as Grove City College and many, many others.

Vagabond's attacks on Hammond would make one suspect he is a Dunn supporter, but I'm sure the nonsense coming from Vagabond would be considered vile by Reagan. Apparently, he's just another garden variety nut.

Posted by: barchester on September 19, 2005 09:04 PM
41. It doesn't change anything, but for the record, I was given it by someone else via e-mail (I don't even know who; I was on someone's email distribution list), I didn't receive it or scan it.

Posted by: pudge on September 19, 2005 09:15 PM
42. Speaking of the 11th Commandment: I am quite sure this will reach Chris Vance's desk; it will be interesting to see what he does about it.

I am against the use of the 11th Commandment as a way to prevent candidates from talking about each other in any negative fashion. But dishonest smear campaigns -- assuming that this one is as dishonest as it appears -- is precisely what the use of the 11th is really supposed to be for.

Posted by: pudge on September 19, 2005 09:20 PM
43. Bruce Welder: thanks for clearing that up.

Posted by: pudge on September 19, 2005 09:22 PM
44. Thank God for Bob Strauss (Chairman of the Eastside Republican Club.)! He's the only one with any integrity. I'd like to see him as Chairman of the King County GOP.

Posted by: Too Conservative on September 19, 2005 09:26 PM
45. ...Olalla, Kitsap County is where his mansion is...

In all fairness to Dean Logan... as much as we all love to loathe him, is he really living in a mansion? While an annual salary of $123,000 is too much money for a county beaurocrat, I don't know of too many folks around here building actual mansions on that kind of salary.

Posted by: Mike H on September 19, 2005 09:34 PM
46. Again: I have no feelings about Hammond or Dunn. From the last week's events I lean toward Hammond -- and the more I learn the more true that is -- but I know neither, know little about either, and can't vote anyway, as I don't even live in King County.

Now, as to the claim Vagabond made: his "Masters" and "Doctors" degrees both came from a non-accredited diploma mill.

It is true that he got Master's and Doctor's degrees from Southern Baptist School, which is not accredited by any accreditation authority. Whether or not it is a "diploma mill" is an exercise left to each, but they do grant credit based on life learning, which is a common feature of such programs.

That said, I don't care so much about whether an institution is unaccredited; accreditation is just a way for us to conveniently and quickly judge the approximate value of a degree. It doesn't guarantee quality, nor is its absence evidence of a lack of quality.

Personally, though, my general feeling is that people who use these degrees are really trying to make themselves look more accomplished than they "are", but on the other hand, our society places too much emphasis on diplomas as measurements of accomplishment, and it could very well be that Hammond is as accomplished in those areas as anyone who does have a diploma from an accredited institution.

So, FWIW. Once again, no dog in this race for me: use this information as you see fit. Though if you use it to nastily smear Mr. Hammond, a kitten will die.

Posted by: pudge on September 19, 2005 09:36 PM
47. According to the Public Disclosure Commission Dunn has spent $251,205 (and it aint over yet)to Hammond's $54,241 and still Dunn felt it necessary to send out a "Hit" piece.
Imagine what we could have done with that kind of money against a Democrat.

Posted by: Too Conservative on September 19, 2005 09:52 PM
48. Alright. With all respect to being fair, the lopsided nature of the above posts need to be put into a little perspective. Especially when the subject is "Reagan Dunn is running a smear campaign" and "Dunn needs to seperate himself from his crazy supporters", etc.
From what I can see, a handfull of Hammond supporters have been doing their own bit of ankle-biting.
If you want to see some of them who are flaky enough to hold down top of a car's air cleaner try going to www.thereaganwing.com
I believe they may have been the ones whom Vagabond, above, was referring to when he mentioned the bit about homosexuality, baby-killing and slandering Jennifer Dunn but I could be wrong.
An enlightened piece of literature tying Reagan and Jennifer to Dan Evans and Slade Gorton describes the lot as follows...
"They had tax-and-spend and sexually libertine views of the role of Government. Serial killer Ted Bundy fit in comfortably with their culture."

Classy.

I know the majority of Hammonds supporters don't fall into this view of thinking but it's unfortunate that members of the fringe are allowed so much rope yet can't figure out how to tie a knot to hang themselves with it.
I've had a chance to meet with Hammond, whom I like and is capable.
I've had a chance to meet with Dunn, whom I like and is capable.
And whoever wins is going to make an excellent councilmember.

I can't wait until Wednesday.

Posted by: Reporterward on September 19, 2005 10:54 PM
49. Oh, for clarification, the (poor) alegory I was drawing about the air filter on the car...I was referring to a "wingnut". Poor pun.
Now granted, wingnuts are important on a car in order to help make it run efficiently. It's just when you allow them to come loose and rattle around the engine compartment that problems crop up.

Posted by: Reporterward on September 19, 2005 10:58 PM
50. The real tragedy of all this is that it has distracted people from the REAL race. A lot of energy has been wasted that should've been focused on getting Ron Sims OUT of office. Hopefully Hammond and Dunn supporters can bury the hatchet and turn their attention where it needs to go after tomorrow.

Posted by: Ed on September 19, 2005 11:30 PM
51. For the record:
We have posted many articles comprising many thousands of words on our site that are directly applicable to the Dunn/Hammond race. A lot of it is very "negative" as it uncovers unconscionable facts about the Dunn camp and their dirty tricks. The Hammond campaign has had absolutely no input on any of this, in fact, the Hammond campaign formally contacted us and urged us to reconsider publishing (having seen advance copies - numerous Hammond supporters are Reagan Wing members).
Nevertheless, we went ahead, without their permission, because every word is true and can be extensively documented. The information is of major significance to those of you who haven't been in the Party for more than five or ten years. Underlying all this is the takeover of our Party by philosophical Democrats. If we lose our Party to them we will lose our country. The Dunns are, and will continue to be their agents, their ability to replicate conservative language notwithstanding. They call it "bi-partisan" compromise. It might sound good to a neophyte. But it means constantly raising taxes and increasing government regulations (but more slowly than the Dems want). The track record is long and tedious to relate, but it is beyond debate. It means the gradual abandonment of the Constitution and the rule of law. But it's your choice.

Posted by: Doug Parris on September 20, 2005 01:06 AM
52. I've never heard Steve Hammond once publicly admonish the purveyors of negative attacks who have written volumes against Reagan Dunn.

Doug Parris (www.thereaganwing.com) and Phil Spackman (rightofseattle.blogspot.com) are two of the worst.

Then go to the Citizens Alliance for Property Rights (www.proprights.org) email discussion list to complete the trifecta.

The party leadership has turned a blind eye to these very public negative attacks on Dunn for months. But now that Dunn has issued what appears to be a fact-checked mailer detailing 144 missed votes by Mr. Hammond, the whining from the anti-Dunn crowd has reached a fever pitch.

I got the mailer last Friday night. Even Hammond supporters admit it's true - Mr. Hammond did miss 144 votes. Because he was at a funeral doesn't change that fact. So I called up Anne Noris, the Clerk of the Council, to double-check. It turns out that Mr. Hammond has actually missed 150 votes. During the two weeks that Mr. Hammond was gone last year, the funeral only accounted for 51 of those votes - one third of the total.

So I asked Anne about the rest of the stuff about the office furniture. True true and true. Mr. Hammond did use his office fund for a $1,000 GPS system. He does have his office at his residence in Enumclaw. She assured me that sometimes Councilmembers do have their office at their home.

Apparently so is his campaign office.

So Steve Hammond has his campaign office AND his county office at his home. Once you come to that realization, you have to ask yourself if the $1,000 county-bought GPS system was used just for county business.

This is just very disappointing.

While I have leaned towards Dunn, I've always felt that Steve Hammond was an honest broker. Now that I've learned his masters and doctorate degrees come from an unaccredited college and all of this furniture stuff is true, I'm no longer sure.


Enron Sims

($2,300 for two color laser printers? is this really necessary?)

Posted by: Enron Sims on September 20, 2005 06:09 AM
53. I voted for Dunn. I believe Steve is an honorable and capable guy. It sounds like Reagan has a few too many political consultants on the payroll.

Posted by: South County on September 20, 2005 06:17 AM
54. Enron Sims


You may not like what I said but its the truth.
Sure maybe some of the wording was a little over the top but I said nothing there that wasn't
true.Unlike the other side who make things up
and resort to name calling and personal attacks.


Pudge

Don't expect chris vance to do anything.He is
giving jennifer dunn an award next month.So
there's no way he is going any were near this.

Posted by: phil spackman on September 20, 2005 06:41 AM
55. For the record,

The discussion regarding Steve Hammond's degree has not gone from "it is from a diploma mill" to it might have permitted use of life credits which, by implication I guess, Steve might have used (though he reports having worked on this over a course of years) and because of that he's a fraud, and by one account liar, because he listed this degree on his resume (assuming, I suppose, that he should have left it off or given it an asterix of "non-accredited," to satisfy the self-appointed college evaluators who happen to support Reagan Dunn).

And, were we using the logic of previous posts regarding comments of long-time opponents of the Dunn family within the context of this campaign (which apparently Steve is supposed to expend resources fighting against -- fights he didn't start) we'd be seeing a mail piece from the Dunn camp denouncing the diploma mill standard. Of course we aren't seeing such a response because Reagan is no more responsible for that ridiculous diploma mill charge than Steve is for others, based on long term pre-existing grievances, issued by persons who have rallied to his side in this contest against Reagan.

Enron Sims seems awfully worked up about Hammond's home office expenditures without comparing them to the office expenditures of other councilmembers, notably Reagan Dunn. I think Dunn's supporters should provide an inventory of their county supplied equipment, and should include the overhead costs for Dunn's district office which you can be assured far exceed Hammond's office expenditures.

Posted by: get serious on September 20, 2005 06:58 AM
56. The above first sentence in my previous post "The discussion regarding Steve Hammond's degree has not gone from" contains a typo. "Not" should have been "now" as in "The discussion regarding Steve Hammond's degree has now gone from "it is from a diploma mill" to it might have permitted use of life credits. . . "

Sorry for the confusion, if any.

Posted by: get serious on September 20, 2005 07:27 AM
57. It is not a lie to list those on a resume. If he didn't list the names of the institutions, that mght be considered a lie, but as he did, and as it took me five minutes to get information about the institution ... he was hiding nothing.

There's no rule that says only institutions accredited by private companies A, B, and C are eligible for listing on a resume. It's incumbent upon the reader of a resume to follow up with the claims made on it.

It's fair to say his degrees are from a non-accredited program. It's not fair to say that this constitutes dishonesty.

Also, I was not making any implication about what Steve did, I was just laying out the facts. From the facts available to me, it is possible he got some or most of his credit for life experience, and I thought that was worth noting.

Posted by: pudge on September 20, 2005 09:28 AM
58. The attacks, here and elsewhere, on Steve Hammond's education because his institution was "not accredited" are a combination of ignorance and intentional deception. Many are ignorant of the controversies surrounding the increasing academic dilution accreditation entails. If you've kept your head in the sand during the struggle over OBE reforms and their antecedents in Higher Ed. ("the dumbing-down" of America) you might not know that, with increasing frequency, you're more likely to get a better education from a college that DOESN'T submit to liberal standards than one that does. Of course "diploma mills" are unaccredited by anyone. These are institutions that simply sell diplomas and require no study. To compare Hammond's accomplishments with that is slander, pure and simple. The difference between the two "negative attacks" is that those we've done on TheReaganWing are true and those used in support of Dunn are false. But of even more significance is that Dunn's POSITIVE campaign is also filled with falsehoods. This is emblematic of the difference between principled conservatives and pragmatic "moderates." The pragmatic wing is not tied to morality and can say and do "whatever works." They do not have any rigid standard for truth or right and wrong. It gives them significant (temporary) advantages. Dunn's hit piece is based, not on a comparison of work records, expenditures or voting roll call, but the outright lie that Hammond missed votes BECAUSE he couldn't "find the County Council." It is the lie that makes it effective. That, coupled with the distorted-by-context expenditures make Hammond look lazy. When Mr. Dunn, in the unfortunate circumstance of a victory, compromises away your property rights and foolishly spends your tax dollars dealing for political favors, don't be surprised when he makes you or any group that opposes that, look foolish, dishonest or lazy by the same sort of dirty tricks. These "pragmatists" cannot be separated from their habits. They are so ingrained they aren't even aware they're doing it half the time.

Posted by: Doug Parris on September 20, 2005 10:46 AM
59. Thanks folks for a very public airing of very dirty laundry.

I made my comment earlier regarding the veracity, credibility, and honorable intentions of the two Republican candidates, and beyond that I voiced no accusations, spread no rumors, or made any associations.

I had hoped that representatives of each candidate would make some sort of official declaration regarding the crap that has been spewed, but, as yet, have not seen one.

What I have seen is readily apparent - go back and reread this thread from the top down.

I can't speak for anyone else but what I said before has been clearly illustrated: "With friends like these, who needs enemies?"

I hope y'all give it a long hard look and then go vote your conscience.

Posted by: alphabet soup on September 20, 2005 11:17 AM
60. Enron Sims--

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is not Evergreen State College accredited? Are you seriously then saying that a BA from them as more credible than a Doctorate in Theology (or whatever Hammond has) from an unaccredited religious school?

Posted by: Mike H on September 20, 2005 12:50 PM
61. alphabet soup, Doug Parris: I hope you're not talking about me. I simply researched the facts, and provided them. I don't consider facts "dirty laundry," and I said nothing incorrect or deceptive.

I only bring this up because if you are directing that at me, then it seems something about what you're saying is out of whack.

Posted by: pudge on September 20, 2005 01:36 PM
62. Posted by: Mike H on September 19, 2005 07:41 PM

Read the whole thing. ...taking the fight to Dean Logan.

If he did, he'd co-sponsor the no-confidence resolution in Dean Logan. Of course he won't - chickens--t. Reagan Dunn is the candidate who will put a flamethrower on Dean Logan's buttocks!!

Posted by: Mike H on September 19, 2005 09:34 PM

Gee, I would think anybody w/ that kind of money would have a nice abode. Come on - I admit - that's a bit of patriotic hyperbole. Besides to me:

Dean Logan = Evil
Reagan Dunn = Calvaryman
Steve Hammond = Not Up To the Job, A Pansy with fanatic vote-fraud committing fans who can't let # of votes = # of voters and as RD has proven - a thief.
Sound Politics = The Truth, period.
Rob McKenna = RMK, Our Man in Olympia

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 20, 2005 01:57 PM
63. The Reagan Wing is a disgusting website.

They attacked Chris Vance during the re-vote campaign - for the sake of. His courage and tenacity helped bring the WSRP to the battlefield to start the long road to recovery from vote fraud.

They attack Reagan Dunn - who has been the most aggressive fighter against Dean Logan.
[In fact, according to my sources, Dean Logan has a bulls-eye of Reagan Dunn in his office. But this is just rumor at this point.]

Gee, maybe it's The Sims Wing after all... run by a Frenchman proxy. Prepare your white flag...

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 20, 2005 02:01 PM
64. Posted by: Doug Parris on September 20, 2005 10:46 AM

Hey Frenchman, while you prepare your white flag factory - you might wanna note to your pal Jacques Sims or is it Jacques Chirac? - that was sarcasm.

Here is the definition of sarcasm - in English, not your native French sadly:

sar·casm ( P ) Pronunciation Key (särkzm)
n.
A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
The use of sarcasm. See Synonyms at wit1.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Late Latin sarcasmus, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein, to bite the lips in rage, from sarx, sark-, flesh.]

[Download Now or Buy the Book]
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Enjoy your surrender party tonight. Reagan Dunn's my man! BTW, you have Paris Hilton's cell #? I hear she's really, really hot and likes good French parties.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

You all can go HERE and HERE for flags/signs to support Reagan Dunn's War on that statist piglet from Kitsap County Dean Logan!!

Reagan Dunn IS my King County Councilor because he's the Councilman for the 39 Counties!

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 20, 2005 02:09 PM
65. Gee, I would think anybody w/ that kind of money would have a nice abode.

Nice abode and mansion are two different things.

Posted by: Mike H on September 20, 2005 02:14 PM
66. Posted by: Mike H on September 20, 2005 02:14 PM

Guess so, Mike H. Hope you hate Dean Logan as much as I do.

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 20, 2005 02:19 PM
67. Oh and BTW, John Carlson and Slade Gorton endorse Reagan Dunn.

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 20, 2005 02:22 PM
68. One more reason to vote for Reagan Dunn: David Goldstein is for Steve Hammond, against Reagan Dunn!

Posted by: Reagan Dunn Fan on September 20, 2005 02:27 PM
69. Oh, don't get me wrong. I think he makes twice as much as a competent person in his position with his education should be making. Key word is competent-- something Logan definatley is not. He ought to be fired for his bungling and CYA attitude... but I doubt he lives in a mansion on that salary.

Posted by: Mike H on September 20, 2005 02:29 PM
70. Reagan Dunn Fan:

What is it with you'you think if you
say something long enough it will become
fact.Steve Hammond Called for Dean Logan's
resignation.What more can he do?


If being close to 2 Million dollars in
debt is a recovery then Vance and the state gop
have long way to go.Yeah Vance took them to the
battlefield alright of course with attorneys
that had very little experience in contested
election cases.With the kind of money that was
spent he could have had the best.David Adams
a man who was heavily involved in the 2000 election
mess in florida.David now lives here in
washington.He called Chris Vance and offered
his assittance.Vance never called him back.
It seems Vance would rather use his friends
cronies than actually do the right thing even
in this.So ahead and give vance all the credit
in the world.

Posted by: phil spackman on September 20, 2005 02:45 PM
71. "Reagan Dunn Fan" is almost certainley, without a doubt Josef, from Josefs Public Journal. Nobody links to Josef except Josef, and no one spams like Josef, a Maria Cantdowell supporter, who used to be our pet rat for a little bit over on FR, during the election until he got banned for trollish spamming, the style of which is identical to RDF. Hey RDF, did "marummy" ever send you a restraining order? I've always wondered.

Posted by: 4wb on September 20, 2005 04:47 PM
72. if Reagan and his kool aid drinkers are mad about some wingnut web sites, let them encourage their own wingnuts to come forth and bash Hammond. But when he comes out and drops a campaign mailer on a last minute hit piece, with a weak charge like that - its an obvious sign that their ship is sinking fast.

Somebody gave that kid real bad advice on that mailer and its too bad he took it, he's way too young and has way too much potential to go out in flames over a two bit county council seat.

Posted by: The very UnReagan Dunn on September 20, 2005 05:19 PM
73. Two hours and thirty minutes until the polls close. Then we can all be friends again.
If Hammond wins, I'm sure that all the Dunn supporters will get behind and support a qualified conservative candidate.
And if Dunn wins I'm sure every Hammond supporter will be more than willing to Reagan who is also a very qualified conservative candidate.
Of course, the King County elections office could rig it so that the vote will be too close to call thus necessitating two machine recounts and a further hand recount in order to make sure the fratricide between Republicans continues for another six weeks.
Nah...That would never happen.

Posted by: Reporterward on September 20, 2005 05:46 PM
74. "If Hammond wins, I'm sure that all the Dunn supporters will get behind and support a qualified conservative candidate"
"And if Dunn wins I'm sure every Hammond supporter will be more than willing to Reagan who is also a very qualified conservative candidate."
.

IN YOUR DREAMS!!! $300,000 to buy a seat from a good Republican!!

Posted by: Too Conservative on September 20, 2005 08:54 PM
75. Reagan made a mistake by taking on Hammond instead of Jane Hague. If he had, he would win walking away. Seems almost anything could happen in this race, but I predict Hammond by a nose, due to disappointing behavior by Dunn. Dunn will live to fight another day and, if so, hopefully will have learned his lesson that you DO NOT anger the political base.

Posted by: Realist on September 20, 2005 08:55 PM
76. Reporterward, HAH! I think you're onto something here. Yes, they could throw it into more recounts and figure out a way to make a DEMOCRAT win!! Hey, they're talented down there at KC Elections, when it comes to that kind of stuff!

Posted by: Realist on September 20, 2005 08:57 PM
77. Reporterward, HAH! I think you're onto something here. Yes, they could throw it into more recounts and figure out a way to make a DEMOCRAT win!! Hey, they're talented down there at KC Elections, when it comes to that kind of stuff!

Posted by: Realist on September 20, 2005 08:57 PM
78. Precisely how would it be possible for a Dem to win a GOP primary contest?

Ooops! Dean Logan... I forgot.

Early returns show Dunn running away with it. Let's see if Steve-o can catch up.

Posted by: huckleberry on September 20, 2005 09:41 PM
79. "if Reagan and his kool aid drinkers are mad about some wingnut web sites, let them encourage their own wingnuts to come forth and bash Hammond. But when he comes out and drops a campaign mailer on a last minute hit piece, with a weak charge like that - its an obvious sign that their ship is sinking fast."


HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

And you call Dunn supporters Kool-Aid drinkers? I normally don't mock people. But when you come out and insult someone's supporters, then come out with some rediculous analisys that is obviously Kool-Aid of your own, it's just too rich.

Posted by: Cliff on September 21, 2005 08:24 AM
80. Cliff

If I were you I would wait until all the
absentee ballots are counted.There a lot
still to be tallied.Its time you grew up
any way.

Posted by: phil spackman on September 21, 2005 01:24 PM
81. Grew up?

Yah. Whatever.

It's time you stopped beeeellliiiiiivvvvveeeeiiinngggg when the jig is up. Your guy lost. Deal with it.

Posted by: Cliff on September 21, 2005 04:29 PM
82. It has all been said and done and Reagan the whiner wins. Let me clear that statement up. Reagan the whiner, attorney, Washington DC native for all intents and purposes, wins. I'm going to vote democrat for this one just on principle alone. He may be a GOP on the ballot but he's stuffed with the filling of a Dem. Better to have the enemy you know in there vs. the one you don't.

Posted by: PC on September 22, 2005 10:03 PM
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