Moreover, Suzette Cooke is a lying, conniving player of Kent politics. She should be forced into retirement today. In 2008, Mayor Cooke (a former Republican state legislator) declined to endorse several Republicans making their own runs for the state house. Todd Gibson (opposing Tina Orwall), Tim Miller (opposing Pat Sullivan), and Mark Hargrove (opposing Geoff Simpson) were running in districts which cover part of Kent. Suzette declined to endorse all of them. She told them it would be inappropriate for her to make endorsements in state legislative races when the city would soon be seeking money from the state legislature. Fair enough.
But after explaining to Tim Miller why she could not endorse him, she proceeded to endorse his opponent Pat Sullivan, obviously disregarding her prior qualms about such a move.
Now, she is being supported by Reps. Tina Orwall and Geoff Simpson in her campaign for mayor. She is evidently collecting on the chits she earned by not endorsing their 2008 opponents, Todd Gibson (who did earn an endorsement from The Seattle Times) and Mark Hargrove (who finished with 47.5%, despite being outspent 7-to-1).
It is clear Suzette Cooke is no longer representing the best interests of the people of Kent. She has entrenched herself in the "politician's club," scratching the backs of her fellow politicians so that they will scratch hers.
It's time for a change, and Jim Berrios is the only candidate who can make that happen.
]]>Christopher Sweet....$6354
Robert Brusseau........6230
Jason Linn.................6230
Garbriel Olson............5311
Bryan Ensley..............5311
Spike Unruh...............5311
John McMillan..............5417
Dennis Tardiff.............5311
Daniel Mann................5526
The average salary is just about $68,000 per year. A tenth trooper, James Hotaling apparently was on military duty at the time. He resigned in July, along with John McMillan. The other eight toughed it out on paid leave for the full year. They are now back on the job, but will serve 3 to10 day suspensions. By my calculation, the 9 were paid a total of about $595,779 while on leave. Given the excellent benefits enjoyed by public employees, I am guessing that number would jump by another $200,000 if benefits were added. With the cost of the year-long investigation, and the cost of overtime for other troopers to make up for the absence of those on leave, it seems likely that this escapade cost taxpayers over $1 million.
Two points should not go unnoticed. First of all, it has been argued that these troopers were merely mistaken about the diplomas. After all, they duly submitted them to WSP HR, and were told that the diplomas were acceptable. But if we make that argument, why even suspend the troopers? In fact, why even put them on leave? I don't see a middle ground here. Either the troopers knew exactly what they were doing, in which case they should have been fired, or they didn't, in which case they should not be disciplined, period. WSP brass can't have it both ways.
Secondly, for WSP to release this news on a Friday afternoon before the election was clearly an underhanded tactic. This news was, like all news, was mostly ignored over the weekend, and lightly covered on Monday. Tuesday brings the election, news of which will completely bury this story. The tactic was effective.
Both of these points go to the culpability of WSP brass in this matter. I urge all to contact your state legislators, and Gov. Gregoire. Don't let the underhanded tactics win out, and don't let this episode be forgotten.
]]>But if you thought Constantine couldn't sink lower, there's more. On the same blog, Bruce Ramsey calls out Constantine for LIBEL against the Washington Policy Center in yet another ad by his campaign. Ramsey says: "It's election time, and Constantine is running the ads his political advisers figure will help him win. And if the Washington Policy Center is ideologically libeled, well, they don't care much about that."
The question is, do you?
Why don't you take the time today to send this post to your friends? After Tuesday it will be too late.
###
[P. Scott Cummins wants to know what you think - comment here first, and you are always welcome at The Urbane R Blog http://www.pscottcummins.com/blog/ ]
]]>Following is an email exchange that took place between myself and a representative named Susan Sheary of the Washington State Democrat Party yesterday.
I might have been a bit harsh and scolding, but the flyers I'm referring to in my emails were atrocious and insulting to decent people of every political persuasion imo. In these instances democrats are stealing another human being's persona, her individual character, the being she owns which is hers alone. They have constructed a monster, attached it to perceived non PC positions and have built a whole new person from the old........as if they had the power to change and make images and mold opponents to fit their narrative.
Five emails were produced all together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To whom it may concern,
Today we received a flyer in the mail regarding the upcoming election and candidate Susan Hutchison.
First, we want to ask you to take us off of your mailing list. Never in our 40 + years of voting have we seen a more vile, disgusting and disturbing piece of advertisement as the one you sent to our house today. This kind of negative and over the top campaigning does not help your cause, it hurts it badly. If this is the type of horrible advertising you must resort to.........with an abominable depiction of Susan Hutchison on the front and assertions on the back of the flyer that are false and misleading.........your party is in desperate straights. If all you can do to garner votes is to disparage and vilify people hoping you will appeal to the base evil side of people you are sadly mistaken
Secondly, we wouldn't dream of voting for any candidate in a party with such a lack of morals and ethics.
What that flyer did will be felt at the voting booth............unless democrats manage to steal the vote again as they have in so many other elections.
Even the left leaning Seattle Times endorses Susan Hutchison. We voters are truly ready for a change.........and that doesn't mean electing the in the pocket good old boy Dow Constantine.
We reiterate................please take us permanently off of your mailing list. We do not wish our children to be influenced by such depraved and atrocious people as you.
Thank You!
>>>>
Reply
5:12 PM (5 hours ago)
Susan ShearyLoading...
5:12 PM (5 hours ago)
Susan Sheary
to me
show details 5:12 PM (5 hours ago)
This flyer was not prepared or published by the King County Democrats; please read the "Paid for..." statement on the flyer. I have not seen the flyer.
The King County Democrats have put out no flyers.
- Show quoted text -
On Fri, Oct 30, 2009 at 4:48 PM, xxxxxxxx
--
Susan Sheary
Reply
Forward
Reply
8:58 PM (1 hour ago)
xxxxxxxxxxxx
to Susan
show details 8:58 PM (2 hours ago)
Susan,
This is who paid for the ad...........
Washington State Democratic Central Committee.
I don't know who that is, and if I were you I would not want to be associated with them.
Do you know who they are and do you have a phone # or web site of this group?
xxxxxxxxx
Susan,
There is absolutely no doubt in our minds the Washington State Democrat Party is affiliated with the Washington State Central Committee. It seem apparent that it is a "committee" of the Washington State Democrat Party. If you could be a little more concise regarding your 1st email to us we'd appreciate it.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.internzoo.com/Employer/WashingtonStateDemocraticCentralCommittee-976.aspx
http://www.wa-democrats.org/index.php?page=display&id=137
I see Dwight Peltz is the Chair of:
Washington State Democratic Central Committee (WSDCC)
* Chair: Dwight Pelz
* Vice-Chair: Sharon Smith
* Treasurer: Habib M. Habib
* Secretary: Luis Moscoso
xxxxxxxxxxx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_State_Democratic_Party#Washington_State_Democratic_Central_Committee_.28WSDCC.29
Reply
Susan Sheary
to me
show details 9:25 PM (1 hour ago)
That is our State Party and I am very proud to be a part of the committee.
Susan Hutchison is an incompetent liar at best -- she is ill-equipped to run for the highest office in King County. I totally disagree with you and do not write to me again.
You are not independent, you are r's.
- Show quoted text -
On Fri, Oct 30, 2009 at 8:58 PM,
You can't quit paying for your $30 pet licenses because King County Animal Control is abolished, you won't get any services but that doesn't mean that Bob Ferguson and his minions can't exploit your information for political gain.
When the White House lied about the above report here was the response:
STORY2
I guess a lot of folks at the White House took dumbing down math courses in college to get their Arts Degrees!
The candidates argued about issues that nobody cared about. The forum was punctuated with snickers after all the candidates attacked Tessandore for stating that Snohomish County voters trust lawyers and judges, and that voters should vote for him based on a poll of Snohomish County lawyers. Even Wilson, Peterson, and Hulbert could be seen chuckling when Tessandore claimed lawyers were trusted. Hulber noted that the Bar Association poll was a "sham." Wilson asserted that the poll was tainted by Tessandore being president of the bar association and through some type of voter misconduct by the Prosecutor's Office.
The other issue that created heat was Tessandore's assertion that David Hulbert was "affidavited more than any Snohomish County Judge." Nobody every explained what "affidavited" means. As the audience chuckled in disbelief, all the candidates argued among themselves. Hulbert got the final word when he stated that none of the candidates had ever "affidavited" him. If being affidavited is bad, why hadn't those attorneys affidavited Hulbert? Peterson was the only candidate to directly respond, stating that he had never affidavited a judge.
Analysis:
David Hulbert: Who really cares if David Hulbert previously was a judge and was voted of office in 2004, or that he failed to win a race against Judge Lucas in 2008. What is a concern is his failure to address issues related to an arrest for drunk driving, and his biggest regret being that his license was suspended for one year for failing to take a breathalyzer. Hulbert appears to be the favorite of conservatives, but there are moderates (Scott Peterson and possibly Scott Lord) that should please both Democrats and Republicans.
Scott Lord: Scott Lord appears to be far to the left, along with Joe Wilson and Rico Tessandore. But a close review of his record reveals some Republican leanings. Its hard to tell, but Scott Lord may be slightly to the right of Tessandore and Wilson, but is solidly in the left wing. Still, Scott Lord may pull a large number of left wing voters, and a good portion of the moderate voters, but not enough to win the election. Tessandore has called Scott Lord his friend, and Scott Lord appears to have ceased to actively campaign. He may have withdrawn from the race.
Scott Peterson: Scott Peterson is virtually unknown locally. He has prevailed in 9 out of 10 appeals in Snohomish County this year, prior to filing for judge. This is the best record of any civil attorney in Snohomish County, and of the other candidates. Peterson claims to have represented hundreds of parties in civil suits, and internet reviews of court records in dicate this is true. Scott Peterson is the only lawyer to acknowledge suing other lawyers. Good asset in our opinion. Scott Peterson's strong point is that he appears to be the only moderate in the race. Tessandore, Wilson, and Lord all appear to be far more liberal than most Snohomish County Democrats. David Hulbert appears to be far too conservative for everybody in Snohomish County, and is probably unelectable due to his reputation on the bench, and misgivings by Republicans about voting for him. Petersons excellent appellate record, and willingness to sue lawyers, makes him the best choice for moderates and conservatives, and everybody except for the few hundred far left wing democrats.
Rico Tessandore: Tessandore is dogged by his lack of candor about his employer. It takes much detective work to learn that the "small business" he claims to work for is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States: Farmers Insurance. Only the Everett Herald has reported this, it certainly is not disclosed in any of Tessandore's materials. The Everett Herald endorsed Joe Wilson, so it should be no surprise that the Herald assisted in "outing" Tessandore. Tessandore lacks the experience of all the other candidates, only ten years as a lawyer. What Tessandore lacks in experience and charisma he attempts to make up in fundraising. Tessandore has outspent all the other candidates combined. Tessandore has many endorsements, but most ring hollow and appear to be political paybacks for supporting Judge Appel against Joe Wilson in 2008. Tessandore also has a skeleton in the closet related to alleged attacks on police officers when he was in the prosecutor's office. Tessandore has not adequately explained his departure from the prosecutor's office. Tessandore was recently served with a cease and desist order by the Elections Office. This order appears to be a dirty trick perpetrated by the Snohomish County Young Democrats. The Young Democrats have openly supported and campaigned for Joe Wilson.
Joe Wilson: Wilson is having a tough time fending off allegations related to numerous DUI arrests and alcohol related negligent driving tickets. Wilson has been sober for many years according to campaign aides, but the issue continues to dog him at every forum. Wilson has a background in civil law, family law, criminal law, and two appeals cases. Wilson has the backing of Democratic leaders, but he appears to be to the left of even the Democratic leaders. Wilson promotes a family tradition of civil service (his father was a judge). Its unsure if voters will accept Wilson's assertion that he acquired his fathers judicial skills through osmosis.
Insiders report fighting between Tessandore and Wilson over the far left wing of the Democratic party leadership. This fighting may damage both candidates. It appears that this fighting will allow Peterson to win the election by taking the some liberal, most moderate and the bulk of conservative votes. This of course depends on the right wingers acknowledging that its better to elect a moderate that is acceptable to the Democrats (Peterson), that to vote for the un-electable conservative (Hulbert).
Early reports from the County Elections Office indicate that this judicial race is leading to a much higher than expected return rate on ballots. That office expects to set records for an election the year after a Presidential election. This is traced solely to this hotly contested judicial election.
If anybody has more inside information, please comment. This race is not getting a lot of publicity. It appears to be more of a campaign of signs. There is not a piece of real estate in Snohomish County that doesn't have a judge campaign sign.
]]>Here is one example of the reporting. An AP story that starts out thusly:
"OLYMPIA - Power of incumbency, meet the almighty dollar.
Well-heeled donors across the political divide are throwing piles of money at Tuesday's primary election, with the heaviest efforts aimed at unseating both a maverick Democratic state senator and the Supreme Court's longtime chief justice. "
Now we have a similar (albeit even bigger) story, with almost no notice paid by Seattle media. 'No on 1033' has raised $3,470,319.87, while the yes side has raised $670,171.15. That yields a five to one disparity. But if we consider that 'yes' spent (as far as I can find out), about $625,000 just to make the ballot, the ratio becomes an insane eighty-six to one.
Eighty-six to one! Yet I find nothing about it in the Times, PI, or other usual suspects. There was an AP article from several weeks ago Flood of last-minute cash against Wash. I-1033. If you compare the lede of this story, you will see that it has nowhere near the drama of the story quoted above. The story blandly notes that Eyman 'typically' spends little. Maybe that's because he cannot raise much--ya think? Eyman supporters do not stand to gain oodles of revenue if the election goes their way, unlike the pro-big-government forces. Hence, Eyman supporters are unwilling and unable to invest as much in a campaign.
The last polling I've seen still shows I-1033 passing. Even 'No on 1033' admits, in their literature, that it will be 'incredibly close.' So I-1033 has at least a 50-50 split in support among voters, but a 86-1 split among money donors. That alone should be headline material. That alone should spawn a score of op-eds, eds, cartoons, etc, But we get zip, zero, nada.
]]>Hey you guys at the White House make sure you have the correct spelling of my name: LE CERVEAU! I want to show my grandkids my name on the Obama enemies list after this moron is impeached!
]]>Jim McDermott missed it. The report shows that some voters on the street, given a few moments, missed or had trouble finding it.
How stupid.
Isn't one of the benefits of the all mail ballot supposedly that it gives the voter lots and lots of time (weeks) to read the ballot, contemplate the ballot items, fill out the ballot, and double check their selections?
Given upwards of two weeks or more to fill out and return the ballot, there should be absolutely no excuse for not being able to find anything on the ballot - unless it wasn't there to begin with, and that is a totally separate issue.
]]>Since a "yes" vote would institutionalize age discrimination in this state by virtue of assigning special rights to individuals 62 and over, chances are that part of this will be ruled unconstitutional even if this did pass.
But the Court's overwhelming decision to keep the signatures sealed for at least a year is a horrific blow to all the fringe left nutters around here who indicated that it would never happen.
Well, it's happened. Read it and weep.
U.S. Supreme Court: Ref. 71 names to remain sealed for now
The U.S. Supreme Court today ordered that signatures collected to get Referendum 71 on Washington's ballot are to remain sealed until it decides whether to hear an appeal in the case.
By Lornet Turnbull
Seattle Times staff reporter
In a rare move, the U.S. Supreme Court has ordered that signatures collected to get Referendum 71 on the November ballot should continue to be sealed until the court decides whether it will hear an appeal in the case -- a process that could take up to a year.
The 8-to-1 decision by the high court continues an order issued Monday by Justice Anthony Kennedy, who had temporarily blocked a ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ordering release of the names. Justice John Paul Stevens voted to uphold the appeals court ruling, releasing the names.
Protect Marriage Washington had sued the state of Washington to block release of Ref. 71 petition signers' names, saying to make the names public would chill signers' First Amendment free-speech rights.
The Supreme Court said its order will remain in effect while the court considers filings from both sides to reach a decision about whether to take up Protect Marriage's request to reverse the appeals court ruling.
Constitutional law experts say the court's action does not signal how it might come down on this free-speech issue should it decide to hear the case, but is simply an effort to maintain the status quo, established this summer when U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle of Tacoma issued a restraining order blocking release of the names.
They point out that the names, once released, couldn't be recalled -- something akin to the un-ringing of a bell.
Ref. 71 asks voters to approve or reject the most recent expansion of the state's domestic-partnership law, granting marriage-like state benefits to registered gay and senior couples.
Protect Marriage, which opposes the state's domestic partnership law, had collected signatures to get it on the ballot in hopes of having it recalled.
It has maintained that releasing the names is a violation of signers' First Amendment free-speech rights, while the state argued that the petition signature process is public and that signers give up any rights to privacy when they sign them.
James Bopp, attorney for Protect Marriage, said while he plans to make prompt filings, he doesn't expect the court to decide whether to accept the case until at least next June.
"It's extremely rare to get an order like this," Bopp said. "The court apparently recognizes the important issues involved and the potentially devastating consequences of disclosure....
"It protects the names until the court has an opportunity to review the case on appeal," he said.
In a statement, Secretary of State Sam Reed said: "The Supreme Court is simply preserving the status quo while opponents of disclosure get their full day in court, and we respect that, " Reed said.
"We continue to support the view of the Ninth Circuit and will do our very best to uphold the voters' desire for transparent and accountable government."
Lornet Turnbull: 206-464-2420 or lturnbull@seattletimes.com
Now amid all the calls for civility, local lefty blogger/former KIRO talk-host David Goldstein steps into action. Warning: do not click if you are eating, or have just eaten. Wowser, is that a 'brown pant tactic?' The Seattle Times, reliably liberal though it is, is not liberal enough for Goldy.
This is no isolated incident from Seattle's left wing contingent. Remember when Dan Savage of The Stranger related how he volunteered for the campaign of Gary Bauer and tried to infect Bauer and his staff with the flu? Savage himself describes his actions:
"I go around the room licking doorknobs. They are filthy, no doubt, but there isn't time to find a rag to spit on. If for some reason I don't manage to get a pen from my mouth to Gary's hands at the conference, I want to seed his office with germs, get as many of his people sick as I can, and hopefully one of them will infect the candidate. I lick office doorknobs, bathroom doorknobs. When that's done, I start on the staplers, phones, and computer keyboards. Then I stand in the kitchen and lick the rims of all the clean coffee cups drying in the rack. I grab my coat and head out. "
Other examples are not hard to find. There was the time a mob of lefty cyclists beat up a motorist and trashed his car. The sick threats against Stefan Sharkansky after a lefty waitress got herself canned from her job. The pie shoved in the face of Tim Eyman with such force that it sent him to the hospital. Etc.
It may be that I am just too unsophisticated to understand the subtlety and complexity of the lefty mind. Like that notorious rube Sarah Palin, and unlike Goldy, I do not posess the refinement afforded by an Ivy League education.