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July 04, 2011
Thank God we're getting rid of Sam Reed.
by Hinton, 03:47 PM, 5 Comments
I came to know Sam Reed while I was working for the state GOP. He constantly whined when the GOP refused to pay off his $10,000 or so campaign debt from the 2000 election, because, apparently, even as a newly elected statewide official he lacked the ability to raise that paltry amount himself. That's when I also came to know, in the most up close and personal way, that political parties were only a label, and in many instances such... [read more]
June 29, 2011
More Candidates to Jump In the AG Race?
by 6p014e897b6287970d, 04:24 PM, 1 Comments
Amidst news today that John Laddenburg will not be running for Attorney General, two names have surfaced as possible dark horses. It is rumored that Snohomish Prosecutor Mark Roe and former State Senator Randy Gordon are considering tossing their names into the hat. Roe worked for 22 years as a Snohomish County deputy prosecutor before being elected to his current position. Gordon represented the city of Bellevue and currently owns his own law firm there. He is also an Adjunct... [read more]
June 03, 2011
Education - Betrayed
by ccwt, 06:28 AM, 2 Comments
I recently became aware of this Spokane author and blogger on public education. SP readers should bookmark and begin reading her critiques and accounts of public education. Tell as many parents you know about this important portal. http://betrayed-whyeducationisfailing.blogspot.com/ SP should make this link part of the blog roll listing. -- Seattle... [read more]
May 09, 2011
HB2100 Is Calling Bill Gates, Sr.
by jabailo, 09:49 PM, 0 Comments
As we all know, many rich people in WA are desperate to have their money taxed. Well, at least when it comes to income. Property....not so much. However, if you think about it, property and assets are the only things that should be taxed. If a person is working his way towards his first million, should we be pulling it out of his pockets all the way up the mountain? I say no. Those who own the most assets should... [read more]
April 19, 2011
Once again, our servants have side-stepped the will of the voters
by 6p01538dfab26c970b, 12:11 PM, 3 Comments
Our elected servants have once again side-stepped their responsibility to carry out the will of the voters. In 1998, the citizens of Washington voted to allow safe,legal access to medical marijuana. Since 1998, patients have been bullied by the federal government while the state sits back and watches. Here 3 years later hard-working, tax paying law abiding citizens are facing prison time for growing a voter mandated crop. Feel as you may about this issue, the voters have made... [read more]
March 16, 2011
The Most Dangerous Radiation Of All!!!!
by JeffB., 10:35 AM, 0 Comments
Forget about a few hundred microSieverts of radiation you might receive if you were onsite at the Fukushima Daiichi plants in Japan. That's less radiation than you would receive if you had to get a CAT Scan. The real danger is exposure to the Thousands of SieBSverts of collectivism, panic, cowardice and hysteria that the average American receives each year from television news organizations. This horrific radiation causes groupthink, self-doubt and depression. Saps motivation, encourages rage and infighting, and causes... [read more]
February 23, 2011
60% increase in City share for public employee pension
by 6p0147e2c6300c970b, 01:03 PM, 0 Comments
What recession? Public employees here apparently getting boost taxpayer-funded benefits. Today I found the following information on the City of Shoreline web page regarding the Public Employee Benefit System contributions (PERS). In all cases the Employer (read taxpayer) contribution raises 60 percent!! (from 5.31% to 8.48%). PERS: (Mandatory State retirement) Current --> Proposed Rate Change 7/1/2011 Plan I Employee 6.00% --> 6.00% Employer 5.31% --> 8.48% Plan II Employee 3.90% --> 4.43% Employer 5.31% --> 8.48% Plan III Employee Choice... [read more]
February 11, 2011
McKenna/Inslee spar on Obamacare
by 6p0148c866a7cd970c, 10:48 AM, 0 Comments
Looks like they are getting ready for the Governors race next year. http://electionreference.com/2011/02/11/two-unannounced-candidates-sniping-early/... [read more]
December 18, 2010
Merry Xmas--fake diploma troopers are suing you!
by 6p01053690976c970c, 11:53 PM, 0 Comments
About a year ago I posted an estimate of the cost of the State Patrol's fake diploma scandal. Ten state troopers had submitted fake diplomas in order to qualify for automatic pay raises. According to my calculations, the scandal cost taxpayers about $600,000 at minimum, and probably closer to $1 million, mostly in paid "administrative" leave. Previous post is here. Now KOMO news reports that five of the troopers have filed a lawsuit against WSP, claiming harm to reputation, emotional... [read more]
Merry Xmas--fake diploma troopers are suing you!
by 6p01053690976c970c, 11:52 PM, 1 Comments
About a year ago I posted an estimate of the cost of the State Patrol's fake diploma scandal. Ten state troopers had submitted fake diplomas in order to qualify for automatic pay raises. According to my calculations, the scandal cost taxpayers about $600,000 at minimum, and probably closer to $1 million, mostly in paid "administrative" leave. Previous post is here. Now KOMO news reports that five of the troopers have filed a lawsuit against WSP, claiming harm to reputation, emotional... [read more]
November 11, 2010
Four Loko Ban
by tpahl, 12:18 PM, 3 Comments
Yesterday the Governor and State Liqour Control Board decided to ban energy drink/malt liqour combos like the imfamous Four Loko. They did this after nearly a month of pushing for such a ban by Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna. A few things bother me about this. 1. They did it without the legislatures approval. 2. It is nanny state at its best. McKenna and company are protecting us from ourselves. As adults we should revolt against such government. 3. Do... [read more]
October 27, 2010
Rossi responds to C4L Survey
by ccwt, 09:06 PM, 1 Comments
Rossi, and other Washington State candidates, respond to the Campaign for Liberty 2010 Survey ... http://www.campaignforliberty.com/candidatesurvey.php?state=WA... [read more]
October 20, 2010
Bob Clark's Take on the Economy
by LeCerveau, 07:07 AM, 1 Comments
Washington State's economy prior to the election:... [read more]
October 05, 2010
ARTHUR LAFFER: The Bill Gates Income Tax
by jcmount, 12:31 PM, 3 Comments
The Bill Gates Income Tax If Washington's most famous billionaires are really worried about their state's finances, they'd write personal checks to the government and leave everyone else alone. Framed on a wall in my office is a personal letter to me from Bill Gates the elder. "I am a fan of progressive taxation," he wrote. "I would say our country has prospered from using such a system--even at 70% rates to say nothing of 90%." It's one thing to... [read more]
September 22, 2010
First they came for GoldLine.....
by chekflow, 01:40 PM, 2 Comments
Today they had the hearing to investigate GoldLine's marketing practices and to forward H.R. 6149 Here is a link to the Bill and a video of the hearing. I watched the entire hearing. I watched in utter astonishment at what unfolded. Memo to readers who are liberals/democrats: this is what the Tea Party Movement is about and why you might at least heed what I am about to say. H.R. 6149 is titled: "The Precious Coins and Bullion Disclosure Act"... [read more]
September 16, 2010
Any Muslim who can explain this.............Please?
by chekflow, 08:33 PM, 6 Comments
I'm confused. I heard today about this. So she has apparently gone deep underground. That being said, how you explain this as a Muslim? Was it because it was thought that Molly Norris was trying to be inflammatory? What if she was just trying to prove that we are 'tolerant".? To any Muslim who reads this: What are your thoughts on this issue? Do the depictions in the art shown in the link offend you as much as Ms. Norris's... [read more]
Introducing...................Doctor Zero
by chekflow, 01:18 PM, 0 Comments
One of the reasons I joined the Tea Party movement was because of a blogger/author called "Doctor Zero" Say what you want about Conservatives being dolts, uninformed, unlearned and unable to form solid apologies for our Ideology. Once in a while, a writer makes large issues easy to understand. With masterful reduction, "Doctor Zero" distills tenets to profound sentences dispensed throughout his prose. Below is his latest essay in it's entirety. Some wonderful sentences and phrases: "It's not surprising that... [read more]
September 15, 2010
Republicans,The Tea Party and O'Donnell
by chekflow, 06:06 PM, 2 Comments
Much is being throw around the media and the blogosphere about the O'Donnell victory, her Tea Party affiliation and the "Establishment" of the Republican Party. Various pundits went back and forth and essentially either waxed political theories on causation or took a position and defended it. It seemed to me that there was no real consensus. Various "Tea-Party Candidates" like Marco Rubio and others proved the critics wrong as far as their "electability" . But let's face it: Rubio had... [read more]
September 10, 2010
Who is your role model? Who do YOU look up to?..........
by chekflow, 05:10 PM, 0 Comments
A sports figure? An Entertainer? Actor? Actress? Model? Singer? Race Car Driver? A Politician? Behold a role model Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta. 22 years old. Here is more.................... As a living CMOH holder, even if the President approaches him while he is wearing it, it is protocol for the President to salute him even though he is an NCO, a Staff Sergeant. This applies to even the highest CO. Even Petraeus or any other General. "Everything slowed down and I... [read more]
September 08, 2010
Since another "stimulus" is on the way......A Reminder..
by chekflow, 04:09 PM, 6 Comments
President Obama is on a tear. His last two speeches, (mostly to the audience of union members.....surprise!) the President assailed the Republican Party and the minority House leader, John Boehner. (Speeches here & here) He is also misleading his audience. Republicans have no ideas? Boehner, Cantor, Sessions and others have put forth many ideas and entire platforms to counter the Presidents proposals over the past 18 months and they were ignored. The fact is that the President doesn't want to... [read more]
September 03, 2010
"What would you do".......Liberal New Yorkers?
by chekflow, 10:57 PM, 1 Comments
So............I just finished watching the latest episode of ABC News "What Would You Do?", hosted by John Quinones. Two segments dealt with possible racism. In one, a young black man is seen using a hack saw and bolt cutter to extract a very expensive bike secured by lock and chain to a post in Central Park. The folks walking by step into action by confronting whom they assume is a brazen thief. They call the police, they confront the young... [read more]
August 30, 2010
National Right to Life PAC endorses Dino Rossi for Senate
by 6p0133f3582ef6970b, 05:56 PM, 8 Comments
Dear Mr. Rossi: The National Right to Life Political Action Committee is pleased to endorse you for election to the United States Senate from the state of Washington. This endorsement reflects your commitment to renewing a culture of life, not only in Washington, but throughout the nation and in the U.S. Congress. Your opponent, Senator Patty Murray, voted to enact President Obama's pro-abortion health care law, which will provide government funding for health plans that pay for abortion on demand,... [read more]
August 26, 2010
Why I joined the Tea Party Movement
by chekflow, 02:53 PM, 8 Comments
I have never before been involved in politics. I run a small business and thought myself to busy trying to make my run at " Capitalism 101". What most folks on the left discount is how many people saw the writing on the wall not during the beginning of the Obama administration, but way before during the Bush administration and the wild uncontrolled spending and big government programs that started back then. The current administration then went ahead and, upon... [read more]
Rep. Jim McCune Endorses Dino Rossi for Senate
by 6p0133f3582ef6970b, 12:12 PM, 4 Comments
Statement from Rep. Jim McCune, 2nd Legislative District, WA State "I am officially endorsing Dino Rossi for the United States Senate. He is a solidly principled man with high character. I believe he has what it takes to bring reliable representation for this state to Washington D.C. Dino did a great job as a State Senator, and he will make an even better U.S. Senator. With Dino Rossi as our next Senator, you can rest assured that we have someone... [read more]
August 25, 2010
It's MAGIC!!!!
by chekflow, 02:09 PM, 7 Comments
HEY! Guess what? Depressed about unemployment rate? The overall economy? The dismal financial condition? Silly rabbit!!!! The CBO stated today that the Stimulus has worked! It has created up to 3.3 MILLION jobs in just the second quarter!! Well....to be sure they said between 1.8 and 3.3 million, but any who, numbers schnumbers, who cares? Oh yeah...and there's more! Yep! This increase in jobs has "lowered the unemployment rate by up to 1.8%"!! WOW! You see, when you dolts witness... [read more]
August 17, 2010
Yes on Initiative 1100, No on Initiative 1105
by 6p0133f3213f26970b, 10:28 AM, 2 Comments
There are two liquor privatization initiatives on the ballot this November-- Initiative 1100 and Initiative 1105. I-1100 will provide a fair marketplace for consumers, while improving the Liquor Control Board's ability to enforce important alcohol safety laws. I-1105 is a self-serving initiative written by the two largest liquor distributors on the west coast. It's a lousy deal for everybody else. For frequent updates and the inside scoop, read the Yes 1100 No 1105 blog. It's not authorized by the official... [read more]
August 15, 2010
Free Patty Campaign
by 6p0133f3189103970b, 10:28 PM, 0 Comments
Cut The String is the theme of the Free Patty campaign I am posting online to retire Senator Patty Murray. In the posters I cast Ms. Murray, the three term Democrat, and President Obama as puppet and puppeteer. (18 years is enough already!). Cut The String features a Dino Rossi character, Republican candidate for Murray's seat, brandishing a giant scissors before the puppet's strings. Retire Patty portrays the senator in a tie dye shirt and tennis shoes, toting a... [read more]
August 13, 2010
HUD and the Atlanta Incident
by chekflow, 04:05 PM, 5 Comments
Watching the 30,000 or so folks lining up in Atlanta for 13,000 available applications for housing assistance, I was truck with incredible sadness. I have been without housing. Without money. Mostly as a young person. As an orphan, I found my own inner strength and perseverance. Abused as a child? (the level of which would horrify anyone with a conscious) Check. Ward of the state? Check. Having to make it on one's own with little guidance? Check. Wildly Succeeded in... [read more]
August 12, 2010
Rossi Does Not Get It
by tpahl, 03:28 AM, 0 Comments
Dino Rossi recently said, "I think that most people, Democrats and Republicans alike, see that the spending is bankrupting America," Rossi said in an interview. "Until we balance the budget, we need to ban earmarks." Does Rossi not understand that earmarks do not increase spending? Does he not understand that earmarks are just a tiny portion of our spending? And most important, does Rossi understand that to truly balance the budget we will need to cut government programs and departments... [read more]
August 02, 2010
Seattle/7th CD: Write in Steve Beren for Congress
by 6p0133f2cd6dd2970b, 10:38 AM, 7 Comments
Steve Beren, July 30, 2010 Donate at http://www.BerenForCongress.com/donate.html Twitter @SteveBeren Facebook http://www.facebook.com/steveberen Yesterday afternoon [July 29], I went to Olympia and filed for official status as a write-in candidate for U.S. Congress against incumbent Democrat Jim McDermott. I am the only Republican candidate in the race. If I get enough votes in the August 17 primary, I will be on the ballot in the general election. Please write in "Steve Beren" for Congress. Spread the word in order to help... [read more]
July 22, 2010
Food Co-op boycotts Israel
by 6p0120a8da2620970b, 09:36 AM, 1 Comments
It's truly obtuse that, according to the AP, the Olympia Food Co-op has "received hundreds of mostly supportive calls and e-mails...since the board decided last week to boycott products from Israel." "The boycott aims to compel Israel to respect Palestinian rights." Helen Thomas would be proud. (While they were at it, "the co-op has also boycotted products from Norway and China to object to whaling and human rights violations." This is really a full service grocery store, offering foreign policy... [read more]
May 15, 2010
Political forum and debate on Wednesdays in Chehalis
by 6p013480e5bdac970c, 07:59 PM, 0 Comments
"Wake up Wednesdays" is a gathering devoted to sharing information and debating issues of national and international importance. All party affiliations, as well as unaffiliated patriots are invited to come together in the spirit of respect, cooperation and non-violence to present opinions, and research toward repairing our constitutional republic and ideas on surviving the deepening global financial crisis. We do not need to agree on all topics in order to unite as Americans, and as intelligent, enlightened Human beings.... [read more]
May 14, 2010
WA State's Double Dip Recession!
by LeCerveau, 01:50 PM, 2 Comments
According to Bob Clark over at Red County dot com we have a major economic problem right now: Link... [read more]
March 26, 2010
Help Fund The McKenna Battle
by MyTwoCentsWorth, 07:57 AM, 4 Comments
Governor Gregoire and the liberal democrats are threatening to cut off funding to Attorney General Rob McKenna to pursue his fight against an unconstitutional federal mandate that requires Americans to purchase health care insurance. If they succeed, we need to immediately start and donate to our own fund to help him continue the battle. I am not aware of any law that prohibits targeted private donations to be used for state sponsored programs or initiatives. Any lawyers out there with... [read more]
March 11, 2010
Washington Employer Gag Rule is Back from dead
by chotii, 06:01 PM, 0 Comments
...and hiding in a House Appropriations Bill. http://www.libertylive.org/blog_main/post.php?post_id=2001... [read more]
March 08, 2010
REMOVING THE ROAD BLOCKS TO VICTORY "2010"
by 6p010536af4928970b, 12:46 AM, 0 Comments
WHY I SUPPORT SEAN SALAZAR FOR U.S. SENATE 2010 The State of Washington needs a conservative candidate who can knock out Senator Patty Murray. Sean Salazar can beat the odds in this liberal state. It is past time we young Washingtonians experience a Republican senator. Salazar will win because he has a real strategy for victory, one that has not been tried before. He is successfully taking the conservative message to 30% of the state previously ignored by Republicans, the... [read more]
February 26, 2010
Liberal case study
by 6p0120a8da2620970b, 04:49 PM, 0 Comments
In an example of political correctness going back several years, Bellingham's mayor and city council did a favor for the union-backed anti-Wal-Mart campaign and restricted big-box stores to 90 thousand sq ft maximum. At the time, this foiled Wal-Mart's plans to add a grocery department to their (only) Bellingham site. But in the process of undercutting non-union Wal-Mart, there was collateral damage to unionized Costco -- across the street from Wal-Mart -- as well as stores like Lowes and Home... [read more]
February 15, 2010
Reply from Eric Oemig about 'Don't gut I-960'
by chotii, 09:42 PM, 6 Comments
Here is the letter I received from Eric Oemig. Make no mistake, he makes an effort to explain himself and sent this out VERY promptly, considering I only called him a couple of days ago - just try to get a reply out of our State Senators or the Governor? Even a form letter? But I'll let him speak for himself. I hope somebody can explain what he's saying. ********************************** Thanks for taking the time to call me. Let... [read more]
February 13, 2010
C4L On Caucus Day: Where Were We?
by 6p0120a89ad36d970b, 10:19 PM, 3 Comments
C4L On Caucus Day: Where Were We? I just do not understand what happened today. We've been planning and working for this since the RINOs jerked us around in 2008... We stayed with the Meetups, we came to the Ron Paul event last year, we Tea Partied, we went to the Governor Johnson event, we did our caucus training. We did it all. EXCEPT SHOW UP! The RINOs in my district outnumbered C4L by 9-to-1. I talked to friends in... [read more]
February 09, 2010
Paul Akers to run against Patty Murray
by 6p0120a4faf221970b, 10:13 AM, 1 Comments
Last week Dick Morris, speaking on FOX, stated on 2 different programs that Patty Murray could lose her re-election campaign. He said that if Paul Akers decided to run, he believed that Paul would beat Patty Murray. I wasn't familiar with the name but wondered what Morris knew that we didn't. I couldn't find any information until yesterday. Then I found an announcement in the Bellingham news paper that Paul Akers had announced he was running for the United States... [read more]
January 22, 2010
Plan to reduce Medicaid expenditures by $3 billion
by RodVanMechelen, 01:53 PM, 3 Comments
Last Friday The Olympian published a letter to the editor in which I proposed a plan that would reduce Washington state Medicaid expenditures by at least $3 billion: Vitamin D3 is budget shortfall solution http://www.theolympian.com/letters/story/1102224.html The idea wasn't mine, but originated with William Faloon, director and co-founder of the Life Extension Foundation: William Faloon, director of the Life Extension Foundation, believes that we can reduce Medicare and Medicaid costs by as much as 50 percent by giving clients 5,000-to-7,000 IU... [read more]
Better than furloughs for state employees?
by RodVanMechelen, 01:37 PM, 0 Comments
The State senate is preparing to vote on revised version of Substitute Senate Bill 6503, a bill that would " shut down state agencies one day a month and give state workers furloughs to save money." Furlough vote readied, The Olympian, BRAD SHANNON; Staff writer, January 22, 2010 http://www.theolympian.com/stategovernment/story/1110665.html Reducing our work year by 13 days is supposed to save the state $69 million. But yesterday one of my coworkers had a very interesting suggestion. Why not simply not-pay us... [read more]
January 15, 2010
A city can annex you without your vote!!
by 6p011570992f4f970c, 07:17 AM, 12 Comments
Time to revisit the issue of being able to vote on annexation. HB 2674 was introduced and needs to be supported by your legislator in the House. Please send them a message asking for passage of HB 2674. Regardless of whether you believe in making the entire state a quilt work of cities or allowing the property owners and citizens to stay unincorporated, being able to have a vote is essential in open and honest government. Being un-incorporated does not... [read more]
January 05, 2010
DeBolt Declines To Run For Baird's Seat, Supports David Castillo
by LewWaters, 01:40 PM, 0 Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 3, 2010 CONTACT: Richard DeBolt (360) 304-7900 Statement from Rep. Richard DeBolt to the citizens of the 20th District "Since the announcement of Rep. Brian Baird's retirement, I have been encouraged by the words of support and the thoughtful perspectives many of you have shared on the merits of running for Congress. While there is a strong appeal to bring solutions to the failures of Washington, D.C., I will not be a candidate for Congress this... [read more]
December 15, 2009
Raises for State Employees?
by RodVanMechelen, 06:07 PM, 45 Comments
Disclaimer #1: I am an employee of the State. Disclaimer #2: I am not a spokesman for the State. Disclaimer #3: For most State employees, it's just a job, not a political statement, and plenty of Republicans are State employees. Disclaimer #4: I am a Crunchy Con. Disclaimer #5: I worked in the private sector for...about 34 years, and have worked in the public sector for only 8 years. State Senator Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, has sounded the alarm: some State... [read more]
November 27, 2009
Updated: ClimateGate: Here's your context!
by JeffB., 10:28 PM, 14 Comments
When ClimateGate first surfaced in the form of University of East Anglia emails that had been posted to the Internet, Phil Jones at UEA and Gavin Schmidt at Real Climate quickly circled the wagons and went in to damage control mode. The talking points that emerged were primarily two: First, that the emails had come from a hacker and that they were thus illegal, and that by viewing them, one was unethical. Here at SP, our own lefty regurgitators quickly... [read more]
November 18, 2009
604,871 FOLKS OUT OF WORK IN WA STATE!
by LeCerveau, 05:02 AM, 7 Comments
I ran across this blog. Folks this is a major disaster: Blog Story... [read more]
November 13, 2009
LAWSUIT FILED IN WASILCHEN MURDER CASE!
by LeCerveau, 07:09 AM, 27 Comments
I found this on the web this AM. I guess the Weed Guy is in big trouble over in SNO County. Blog Story Heraldnet Story... [read more]
October 20, 2009
HATERS DENIED FOR AT LEAST A YEAR: US Supreme Court keeps signatures sealed!
by Hinton, 07:20 PM, 47 Comments
The haters are REALLY torqued tonite as their efforts to intimidate and threaten the signers of the R-71 petitions have been dealt a severe blow by virtue of an 8-1 decision by the United States Supreme Court. 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... [read more]
September 17, 2009
Just in case they try the WA Income Tax thing again:
by chotii, 01:00 PM, 3 Comments
Here's a story you never heard, out of Tennessee: http://www.glennreynolds.com/?p=8 Seems the Tennessee legislature tried to ram that through on them, in 1999, in defiance of their State Constitution. The People brought a stop to it.... [read more]
September 10, 2009
Congressman Smith on Vietnam War : "We were on the wrong side"
by 6p0120a560e689970b, 07:54 AM, 26 Comments
Please call and ask him for a clarification or an apology. This opportunist needs to go back to school. Amazing that he gets a Top Secret clearance for his committee work. http://blog.thenewstribune.com/politics/2009/09/09/congressman-smith-afghanistan-not-another-vietnam/ Congressman Smith: Afghanistan not another Vietnam Posted By John Henrikson on September 9, 2009 at 3:28 pm This just in from D.C. correspondent Les Blumenthal. WASHINGTON - After returning from a three-day trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma., said Wednesday the United States needs to... [read more]
August 21, 2009
Capitol Hill Police have no report of threats from Brian Baird
by 6p0120a564aca4970c, 01:24 PM, 4 Comments
News Item: Baird discloses another Threat http://columbian.com/article/2009082...raws+criticism *snip* Commenting on why he was initially reluctant to hold town hall forums on health care reform, Baird told the Rotary Club audience: "If there is a Ryder truck parked out front, it has my name on it." *SNIP* Baird's office had not previously disclosed the specific language of the death threat. The message left on Baird's office voice mail was turned over to the U.S. Capitol Police, Love said. Baird told The... [read more]
July 16, 2009
Michael Steele and Sean Salazar share the same vision on the importance of diversity for the future of the GOP.
by 6p010536af4928970b, 08:25 AM, 3 Comments
SEAN SALAZAR INDEPENDENT LEADERSHIP. REAL SOLUTIONS. I first met Sean about a year ago. He was my first introduction to the idea that "we must show up" in the poor communities, the minority communities and the inner cities. Sean Salazar is far from the typical media's image of a country club Republican. Sean is a son of a single mother with several siblings who grow up in government housing, moving from one poor inner city project to another. In fact... [read more]
June 29, 2009
ESSB 5808 takes your right to vote - Referendum 72 Gets It Back
by 6p011570992f4f970c, 11:50 PM, 14 Comments
On April 13, 2009 SB 5808 was filed into law to address the annexation of fire districts into cities and towns. The law was presented as a way to help fire district employees retain benefit packages but it had other harmful effects to taxpayers of that area. This law creates a new right for cities and towns to expand their boundaries without any input or vote from the residents that will be affected by this change. Signing Referendum 72 will... [read more]
June 14, 2009
Yelm Thurston Highlands Auction Now Postponed 'til August
by 6p011570bd4344970b, 10:01 PM, 0 Comments
THURSTON HIGHLANDS AUCTION NOW POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST The Thurston Highlands auction rescheduled for today at 10am has been postponed until August 7th. HMMM! The NVN said, "Thurston Highlands note was purchased by an unknown investment group and the company declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy, halting foreclosure proceedings. 'It puts the LLC into the position where it stops the foreclosure process,' said developer Steve Chamberlain. 'It's a means in which to get time to work things out.' ... The property was going... [read more]
June 08, 2009
50% of children not ready for Kindergarten????
by 6p01156f6eab72970b, 06:48 AM, 3 Comments
Washington's missed opportunity for school readiness http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2009301888_guest05bancroft.html Washington state missed a critical opportunity to ensure that at-risk children were ready for school when Gov. Chris Gregoire vetoed a legislative plan to help, writes guest columnist John Bancroft. The challenge of 50 percent of young children not prepared for kindergarten still needs solving. What in the world does "50% of kids are not ready for kindergarten" mean? Where is this study? They didn't pass the WASL? Did you know that 50%... [read more]
June 03, 2009
Yelm Thurston Highlands: 100 Comments AGAINST City's MDNS
by 6p011570bd4344970b, 06:16 PM, 1 Comments
NOT ONE COMMENT FAVORING YELM'S MDNS - YET 100 AGAINST Regarding the City of Yelm's Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) on their water plan, almost 100 citizens wrote to the City criticizing the City's MDNS and requested an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the City's proposed applications for 3,200 acre-feet/year of new water rights. This is an astounding public response in opposition to the City's attempt to sneak through an environmental review of its water rights applications! Quoting the NVN:... [read more]
June 01, 2009
Groups to 'out' those who sign petition against same-sex unions
by Hinton, 02:27 PM, 13 Comments
Complete scum. Reduced to intimidation tactics that, were they turned on them, would result in massive whining and sniveling. I intend to seek out this Referendum TO sign it. Anyone feeling like confronting me over it? Please. Bring it on. Groups to 'out' those who sign petition against same-sex unions A group called WhoSigned.org says it will publicize the names of people signing petitions for Referendum 71, which seeks a public vote to overturn a new expansion of Washington's same-sex... [read more]
May 23, 2009
Washington Newspapers: Domestic Partnerships Good, Ref 71 Bad
by 6p011570a068cf970b, 09:44 AM, 16 Comments
"Please say a prayer today for the courageous legislators who are standing tall in opposition to the agenda of the Seattle-based homosexual lobby and their left wing media allies & enablers." --Larry Sitckney in a Washington Values Alliance E-mail from April 15, 2009If you listen to Larry Stickney much, you hear this sort of refrain a lot. The assumption behind such statements is that once you leave the "Seattle red zone", as Larry calls it, you're in anti-domestic partnership country.... [read more]
May 08, 2009
Help End Tax Funding of Abortion in WA
by michellemcntyr, 12:46 PM, 2 Comments
I want to call your attention to a brand new grassroots effort, here in the state of Washington, to end tax funding of abortion. There is a website now dedicated to this cause and educating the public about how our tax money is used towards abortion: http://prochoicewithmymoney.blogspot.com/ The website has a link to an online petition that will ultimately be presented to legislators to show how much support there would be for a bill to end tax funded abortion. The... [read more]
April 17, 2009
Tim Eyman blasts Dems in "secret" hearing on new taxes
by mjc3389, 04:49 PM, 0 Comments
Thank you Tim for saying what so many of us feel. This government should be ashamed. But how can people with so little integrity be ashamed of anything? --- Eyman today: Democrats are jamming through this tax increase fast, fast, fast. They set up a last minute hearing on it this morning. Having a Friday, 8 am hearing guarantees minimal citizen turnout, leaving all the pre-arranged special interest advocates lined up to sing its praises. I only read about it... [read more]
April 03, 2009
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE GOP!
by 6p010536f1146a970b, 07:20 AM, 1 Comments
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY- LOST IN THE WILDERNESS COPYRIGHT MATT BARBER After Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they rebelled against God and were made to wander aimlessly in the desert for 40 years on a needlessly roundabout journey to the Promised Land. God kept the coveted prize out of reach until that rebellious generation passed. Today we find an improvident Republican Party lost in the political wilderness. As the GOP seeks to find its own Promised Land - a... [read more]
March 30, 2009
GOVERNMENT MURDER AND EUTHANASIA!
by LeCerveau, 07:03 AM, 9 Comments
Ever wonder what happens to all those dogs and cats that the so-called 'animal shelters' pick up and haul away PAID for by taxpayers? If you ask around Western Washington NO ONE KNOWS ANYTHING about what is going on in those animal shelters, just like in Germany at the end of World War Two. In many parts of the country they are operated by PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) or ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of... [read more]
March 29, 2009
Spokane Falls Community College Claims Pro-life Speech Against Washington Law; McKenna's Office to Defend College
by 6p01053614339a970b, 11:35 PM, 5 Comments
Not to be believed, but yes, SFCC "threatened Beth Sheeran and members of a Christian student group with disciplinary measures, including expulsion, if they chose to hold a pro-life event on campus to share information with other students because the message was 'discriminatory' and did not include a pro-abortion viewpoint." They were also told it was against Washington law. Read the whole story from the ADF who is representing the students in their law suit against SFCC. Here's the offending... [read more]
March 25, 2009
Democrats in Oly pushing new law to use state facilities to campaign for massive tax increase on the ballot.
by Hinton, 04:49 PM, 2 Comments
Right now, it's illegal to use any government asset or facility in favor of, or opposition to, any ballot measure, referendum or initiative. If this ethical violation becomes law... expect massive amounts of YOUR tax dollars to be used to shove massive tax increases down your throat. Thanks to Joe Turner at TNT for spilling the beans.... [read more]
March 06, 2009
Washington State Democrats Block Stronger Sex Offender Laws
by LewWaters, 11:59 PM, 6 Comments
Shortly after the murder of 13 year-old Alicia Nipp in Hazel Dell, Washington State Senator Don Benton tried once again to get stronger sentencing for sex predators in Washington State. Benton said, "Clark County is up in arms about this. All of us representing Clark County are receiving e-mails asking what can be done. It is just horrific." "Ladies and gentlemen I ask you to join me today to send a strong message to these heinous criminals, these horrific predators... [read more]
March 05, 2009
New Proposed Taxes! Olympia gets creative with ways to steal our money
by 6p010536f8b55f970c, 03:28 PM, 2 Comments
(From News Tribune) "This is a list of options for raising revenues that have been commonly requested. The Department (of Revenue) does not advocate these options; we consider them to be administrable." I'm using numbers from the July 2008, which may overstate amounts since we really went into the tank afterward. The chart shows how much money would be raised from each of the taxes in the 2009-11 biennium, as well as for each single fiscal year in the biennium.... [read more]
February 24, 2009
Patty Murray vs. Sean Salazar 2010! US SENATE. Need your help.
by 6p010536af4928970b, 11:31 PM, 1 Comments
With the Democrat party/European socialist party, having unilateral control over our country it is more important than ever that we elect conservative republicans to stand up for our core values. That's why in such a liberal state as Washington, it is important for republicans to start running now. We must work twice as hard now so I ask you to check out Sean Salazar's web site and start blogging. Also please consider donating $10 if you can. Thank you... [read more]
February 13, 2009
I-1044 Initiative to Replace the B&O Tax with a Flat Rate Corporate Tax
by jimvaughnforcongress, 11:04 PM, 0 Comments
We have filed an initiatives that we believe will help the economy and the residents of Washington. We need your support in order to: • Obtaining 325,000 signatures. • Financing these initiatives. Please assist us by Forwarding this e-mail or send the information to the members of your organization. • At a minimum would we ask that you consider endorsing either or both of these initiatives? This initiative replaces the B&O Tax with a flat rate corporate tax not to... [read more]
January 29, 2009
Spokane County GOP Chair is organizing a bus to Olympia to fight eco-terrorist bill!
by 6p010536f8b55f970c, 03:42 PM, 2 Comments
It appears that Matt Shea's alert regarding HB 1718 struck such a nerve with the party in Spokane, that Cindy Zapotocky, Spokane County Republican Party Chair is organizing either a bus or a carpool to bring local party members and other citizens to come down and speak against this thing. Jim Robinson, Matt Shea's legislative assistant, purportedly stated that some left-wing environmentalist groups have been prepared for this and are organizing there members to go to the hearing tomorrow at... [read more]
RED ALERT from Rep. Matt Shea - HB 1718 = Power Grab Bill for the Left (send this far & wide!)
by 6p010536f8b55f970c, 01:03 PM, 2 Comments
This is a MASSIVE 159 page bill that Reps. Matt Shea and Shelly Short have gone thru page by page, and they are very alarmed. Link to the bill at: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1718.pdf PLEASE CIRCULATE WIDELY....PEOPLE NEEDED TO TESTIFY THIS FRIDAY! FREIDAY at 8:00 in HEARING ROOM C of the JOHN L O'BRIEN BUILDING we will be having a public hearing on HB 1718. This bill implements the Climate Action Team's recommendations . Also known as Cap and Trade, this legislation will... [read more]
January 27, 2009
Carbon Cap and Trade comes to WA - can you afford it?
by ccwt, 10:02 PM, 3 Comments
I have not verified the info in this email message ... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Jan 27, 2009 email, From Justin Mckay; spcmckay [a*t] yahoo [d0t] com This is a MASSIVE 159 page bill that Reps. Matt Shea and Shelly Short have gone thru page by page, and they are very alarmed. HB 1718 bill, PDF PLEASE CIRCULATE WIDELY....PEOPLE NEEDED TO TESTIFY THIS FRIDAY! Friday (Jan 30, 2009) at 8:00 in hearing room C of John L. O'Brien Building we will be having... [read more]
January 14, 2009
Does your income double every 10 years?
by mjc3389, 08:48 AM, 5 Comments
Washington State Government spending is out of control. But that is nothing new for a government that's been dominated by Democrats for decades. I decided I wanted to understand just how quickly Democrats are exploding this government, and while you'd think that this data would be easily found on the web, it wasn't. So for your consideration is the growth, or bloat, of this state's spending habits back to 1983. In advance I'll tell you it works out to an... [read more]
January 01, 2009
WA State Employees devise a scheme to defraud Senior Disabled Citizens.
by 6p010536aab364970c, 05:47 PM, 1 Comments
Briefly, WA state grants every Senior citizen, minimum age 61, who's income is below a statutory limit, upon an application, some reduction in their property tax assessment. This exemption is also available to disabled individuals regardless of age. The exemption is codified in RCW 84.36.379-389 However, the Dept of Revenue [DOR], and County Assessors, invented a homegrown method in how a person is to calculate their income that is required by statute. The instructions developed by the DOR require individuals... [read more]
December 11, 2008
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels plans to ban your Guns
by 6p0105365cdb42970c, 03:36 PM, 4 Comments
Mayor Greg Nickels plans to ban your Guns With no regard for your right to self-defense And In defiance of state law Your Attendance is Critical! Let your voice be heard NOW! On December 15, 2008 a public hearing will be held in the Bertha Knight Landes room at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, with sign-in beginning at 5:30 p.m. This ban will infringe on your right to carry in these areas: • All city owned property •... [read more]
December 04, 2008
Gregoire's and McKenna's Weenie Response to Nativity Display
by MyTwoCentsWorth, 04:15 AM, 17 Comments
The press release issued by Governor Gregoire and Attorney General Rob McKenna concerning the anti Christian hate poster allowed in the capital rotunda is a pitiful and misleading attempt to place the blame elsewhere... "Last year, after a federal lawsuit was filed against the state of Washington by the Alliance Defense Fund, the state's Department of General Administration set forth a policy allowing individuals or groups to sponsor a display regardless of that individual's or group's views." They would have... [read more]
December 01, 2008
So much for Washington State's Hiring Freeze
by gschroe, 06:20 PM, 0 Comments
If you would like to see how serious Washington State is about their so called "Hiring Freeze" here's a great option to watch: Sign up for emails of all the NEW positions at: http://www.lsoft.com/scripts/wl.exe?SL1=WASTATE-JOBS&H=LISTSERV.WA.GOV Where you will be emailed (I recieved 21 today alone) state jobs. I thought I remembered something about a State Hiring Freeze................. [read more]
November 30, 2008
Initiative
by jimvaughnforcongress, 12:03 AM, 0 Comments
Now that the election is over and I have had time to reflect, I have to admit that I am a better person for having run for office. I knew I was a long shot. Given that I started my campaign at the 11th hour, when the Top Two Primary was ruled constitutional, I did not take nor solicit any donations for the obvious reasons. As a result, my chances for winning were minimal. However, I learned a lot by... [read more]
November 26, 2008
My solution to this economic mess
by gschroe, 01:12 AM, 5 Comments
I and many others have lifetime savings in IRA's but because of our ages we are unable to tap into them at this time, except through 72T's, which offer only meager withdrawals at best. I and many others have spent years dutifully saving and now through no fault of our own, we need to spend more out of my IRA' plans than a 72T's will allow for a few years. If (even on a temporary basis) the 10% penalty for... [read more]
November 18, 2008
Sound Politics Meeting of the Minds
by Palouse123, 10:42 AM, 15 Comments
Shanghai Dan is in town next week, and in discussion we thought it would be a good time to have a beverage and the first Sound Politics Meeting of the Minds (MOTM). Since everyone is spread out, I'm going to suggest the Bellevue Rock Bottom as a meeting place. Tuesday, November 25th is the date, 5:30 pm until whenever. I'll bring something with "MOTM" on it and put it on the table, which will be somewhere in the bar area... [read more]
November 17, 2008
Republicans: Do You Know When and Where Your Monthly Leg. District Meets?
by michellemcntyr, 04:47 PM, 4 Comments
Scroll down for updates. Now crossposted at the brand new From the Roots Up website: "Putting the Party Back in the Hands of Grassroots Republicans" It occurred to me today, that if we Republicans want to see our party get back to winning again, and a key to this is more involvement from grassroots Republicans, we need to make it possible for more grassroots Republicans (more than say, the 10 or so who currently show up at Republican leg. district... [read more]
October 28, 2008
Judge in Rossi Case Should Excuse Herself from Case
by thedukeof, 06:25 PM, 3 Comments
I am not a lawyer, but one has to wonder what the Cannons of Judicial Ethics have to say about a Judge hearing a case where one of the parties has donated money to his/her campaign? In this current case, (Robert F. Utter and Faith Ireland in the name of the State of Washington, plaintiffs vs. The building Industry Association of Washington, Defendants); the presiding Judge, Paris Kallas is, in my humble opinion giving the plaintiffs everything they want. Faith... [read more]
October 23, 2008
Geoff Simpson's Dirty Politics (Part II)
by 47thDistrictVoterForTruth, 06:54 PM, 4 Comments
This is part two of a series, which will continue until Election Day, documenting all the lies and smears Geoff Simpson is selling the 47th district voters in a desperate attempt not to lose his job. In a Covington Reporter article which hits doorsteps Friday, October 24, Geoff Simpson claims: "[Hargrove] recently proposed balancing the state budget by increasing the sales tax, property tax or both while also cutting funding for education and road improvements." This is an outright lie... [read more]
Geoff Simpson's Dirty Politics (Part I)
by 47thDistrictVoterForTruth, 05:36 PM, 5 Comments
This is part one of a series, which will continue until election day, documenting all the lies and smears Geoff Simpson is selling the 47th district voters in a desperate attempt not to lose his job. Last Saturday, Geoff Simpson sent a mailing to most people in the 47th district accusing his opponent, Mark Hargrove, of taking a campaign contribution from a supposed sex offender. This is either an outright lie or Simpson's campaign has time to do background checks... [read more]
October 22, 2008
If you enjoy political theatre, vote McCain.
by JeffB., 11:21 PM, 0 Comments
Aside from the obvious benefit of avoiding a slide in to the wealth redistribution of an Obama administration, there is another good reason to vote McCain. Political Theatre. If McCain manages to pull it off, the exploding heads as all hell breaks loose and the liberal unhinged are unleashed, will make Fourth of July seem quite tame. Imagine the second guessing and uncontainable shock and sadness of your favorite in-the-tank media personality. It would all be loads of fun to... [read more]
October 17, 2008
State Workers Sue to End Forced Union Dues
by DennisRedmon, 11:10 AM, 6 Comments
A group of state workers have filed suit to end forced union dues. Under governor Gregoire The WPEA/UFCW and WFSE/AFSCME have gone from about $4 million to over $33 million a year in dues. Forced Dues were only allowed IN EXCHANGE for non union workers, previously 77% of the workforce, being allowed to vote on contract ratification under a signed written agreement. The state and unions then coordinated, in writing, denying non union workers a vote. The WPEA and... [read more]
October 11, 2008
What does "In Any Form Whatsoever" really mean?
by chuck37, 11:42 AM, 2 Comments
In the past four months much has been flogged, blogged and blathered around in Washington State concerning the potential loss of dollars from casino revenue sharing. Gregoires supporters defend her actions as on a par with the wisdom of Solomon. Her detractors think she sold Manhattan back to the Indians for a few trinkets and blankets. Well it was all exciting but little can be done about it because Gregoire ain't about to back down and the Indians got a... [read more]
October 06, 2008
The TRUTH SQUAD -- Examining Roger Goodman's Claims
by Toby_Nixon, 07:26 AM, 0 Comments
We've added a new feature to our web site at www.tobynixon.com. The Truth Squad will take a careful look at the claims Roger Goodman makes in his campaign ads, and fill in the facts he omits. In its initial report, The Truth Squad examines these claims: * Goodman's claim to have gotten "results" on early childhood education (it turns out that his bill is just another study); * his claim to have "done something" about drunk driving (he makes it... [read more]
WEEKLY POLITICAL NEWS-DAILY UPDATE
by LeCerveau, 07:22 AM, 3 Comments
HERE IS A LINK ROUNDUP ON THE LATEST ON MONEY AND POLITICS EXTRA ON OBAMA: PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS CLAIM OBAMA KEPT THEIR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS! The Obama campaign says that the millions in illegal contributions with names containing funny boners like soccer stars from Brazil (who never heard of Obama) now say they returned the money to terror groups in the Palestinian territories. That looks like lie number 1,234,788 from the Obama campaign: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/palestinians-deny-obama-returned-illegal/story.aspx?guid={016C7EE7-AB9E-4242-80E1-6D1BA92FDC9E}&dist=hppr OBAMA ACORN OFFICE RAIDED IN LAS VEGAS, VOTER... [read more]
October 01, 2008
Pro Market Senators in the NW
by tpahl, 09:17 PM, 2 Comments
Here in the Pacific NW we have 6 senators. Based on todays bailout vote it appears three are pro free market and three are pro socialism. Voting for the unpopular bailout and increased control of the financial sector Murray (D) WA Craig (R) ID Smith (R) OR Voting no to the unpopular bailout Cantwell (D) WA Crapo (R) ID Wyden (D) OR I am not too familiar with the Oregon and Idaho senators (other than their escapades in MN airports!)... [read more]
September 25, 2008
What if.....? Superintendent of Public Instruction Edition
by TeacherRyan, 09:58 PM, 11 Comments
It's an idea that I've been playing with for a bit now, and a conversation I had at lunch today helped to spur it along even farther: what would the possible governor/SPI matchups mean for the future of education in Washington State? There's a great post up at the News Tribune right now comparing the differences between Terry Bergeson and Randy Dorn based on a debate that happened today. You can get the education platforms for Rossi and Gregoire off... [read more]
September 21, 2008
An Evening with John Carlson
by Toby_Nixon, 10:16 PM, 1 Comments
Join Special Guest John Carlson of KOMO 1000 News "The Commentators" at a Fundraising Reception for Toby Nixon for State Representative, 45th District. Thursday, October 9, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the home of Mark and Madelon Isaacs, 10024 131st Place NE, Kirkland (for directions call 425-576-8887). Come as you are -- comfortable and casual. No minimum suggested contribution -- but bring your checkbook or credit card! To RSVP call (425) 823-9779, email rsvp@tobynixon.com, or register online at www.tobynixon.com/rsvp.... [read more]
September 16, 2008
In-State Tuition for Illegals is Ruled Illegal!
by John425, 02:11 PM, 4 Comments
from the Volokh Conspiracy folks: http://volokh.com/ California Statute Allowing In-State College Tuition for Illegal Aliens Is Preempted by Federal Law: So the California Court of Appeal held yesterday in Martinez v. Regents: [T]he most significant issue [in this case] is whether California's authorization of in-state tuition to illegal aliens violates a federal law, title 8 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) section 1623, which provides as pertinent: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an alien who is not lawfully present... [read more]
September 05, 2008
In Washington State, 7 Cities Will Hold 40 Days for Life Events
by michellemcntyr, 10:09 AM, 2 Comments
Everett, WA--In a state which the entire political and media establishment insist is decidedly and immovably "pro-choice" on abortion, 7 cities have generated enormous support, enough to commit to the largest and longest coordinated pro-life mobilization in history, joining up with cities nationally and internationally, 170 cities in all. The 40 Days for Life campaign features prayer, fasting, round-the-clock peaceful vigil outside an abortion facility and grassroots educational outreach. The campaign will run from September 24--November 2. Everett is one... [read more]
August 26, 2008
Engine of prosperity
by RodVanMechelen, 07:16 PM, 2 Comments
Every community has problems, some more than others. But when one or a few of the 562 recognized Indian tribes has problems, the op-ed columns and talk shows are full of generalizations about "the Indians." Bad news sells. "If it bleeds, it leads," and this is as true on the right as it is on the left. So it's no surprise that tribal success stories are generally ignored. Particularly when they run counter to cherished myths. The Tulalip Tribes are... [read more]
August 19, 2008
Memo to Dino about Veterans
by John425, 02:43 PM, 3 Comments
Dino: I hope you'll copy Ohio's plan for veterans. "Any and all military personnel who served in the Iraq or Afghanistan theaters shall be considered an "honorary" citizen of Washington State for the purpose of College or University tuition." If Gregoire and her pals can give in-state tuition rate breaks to illegal aliens, Dino Rossi should stand and offer the same breaks to our military heroes. And...we'd be getting a much better citizen in the deal.... [read more]
August 18, 2008
Falling Behind: WA Doesn't Do Hydrogen!
by jabailo, 10:18 AM, 14 Comments
If there was a good reason to unseat Gregoire and the rest of the pack (Cantwell, Murray, Sims, Nickles...), it should be their allowing Washington State to slide into a technological backwater by ignoring the new Hydrogen Economy. Currently a hydrogen road tour, of fuel cell and standard engine cars running on hydrogen is touring the country...but it won't come to Washington. The FCX Clarity is being leased (mostly to Hollywood hotshots) in LA...the BMW Hydrogen 7 is for sale... [read more]
August 13, 2008
Is Sam Reed in Trouble?
by MyTwoCentsWorth, 08:22 AM, 5 Comments
As I filled out my mail-in primary ballot last evening, I darkened the squares for most all Republican candidates until I got to the Secretary of State. I just could not forget the pivotal role played by Sam Reed in the fraudulent placement of Christine Gregoire in office as Governor of Washington. Lately Reed has blaming the courts for the inclusion of King County ballots cast by Convicted Felons and some that were deceased because the Judge could not determine... [read more]
August 09, 2008
Gregoire Gifted Yacht, Mansion by Tribes
by RodVanMechelen, 08:57 AM, 6 Comments
In a blatant attempt at character assassination, Naked Loon Political Reporter Ash Grimm reported Friday that Gov. Gregoire has received a 9,000 square foot mansion and 120-foot yacht from "the state tribes": "According to a statement released today by Christine Gregoire's campaign, a $50 million yacht and $5.4 million mansion given to her by the state's Indian tribes do not constitute a conflict of interest, and anyone that suggests they do is racist, and probably also sexist." - Gregoire Gifted... [read more]
August 08, 2008
Rasmussen Poll Confirms Elway off base
by brentboger, 12:47 PM, 0 Comments
It was posted on the main SP blog that Gregoire had a 12 point lead in an Elway poll. That poll was rightfully questioned. Rasmussen just came out with a poll a few minutes ago that has her lead at 4 points. When added to the Surveyusa, Strategic Vision, and Moore polls, we now have four showing a 0-4 point Gregoire lead and only Elway outside of that. Tossing out Elway and averaging the rest, it's about a 2% Gregoire... [read more]
August 05, 2008
Am I the only one here voting democrat for Secretary of State?
by Hinton, 07:39 AM, 10 Comments
I am heartily sick of Sam Reed. His mishandling of the 04 election; his slavish devotion to mail-only ballots; his failure to demand anything approaching realistic election reform, even in the face of public demand (Require proof of citizenship to register, and legal proof of identity to vote) and his insistent, constant whining over allowing felons to vote before they've completed their sentences... all because it's "too hard" to scrub the voter rolls... Not only will I vote for his... [read more]
August 04, 2008
Gov. Gregoire: The truth about tribal gaming
by RodVanMechelen, 03:38 PM, 13 Comments
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=966&newsType=1 Office of Governor Chris Gregoire FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 1, 2008 Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136 The truth about tribal gaming OLYMPIA - Recent media coverage questioning removal of a revenue sharing provision from a tribal compact is inaccurate and ignores the facts. Following the lead of state voters who in 2004 overwhelmingly rejected Initiative 892, which would have led to a massive expansion of gambling in Washington state, Gov. Gregoire and a bipartisan group of state and... [read more]
July 30, 2008
Griswold v. Griswold
by MarkGriswold, 03:16 PM, 4 Comments
So there's another Mark Griswold living up in Mill Creek. Unfortunately I can't say I'm happy to share my name with him. He recently weighed in on the governor's race with a letter to editor of the Times claiming Rossi is "self-serving" and "truth-evading". My response, which will hopefully be printed soon, below. Griswold v. Griswold In last Sunday's Letter to the Editor, Mark Griswold (of Mill Creek) opined that Dino Rossi "has been swimming in self-serving intrigue and truth-evading... [read more]
July 24, 2008
RE: ATTENTION SPOKANE REPUBLICANS: LOOK OUT!
by SpokaneRepublican, 12:16 PM, 2 Comments
Lindauer, Why won't you respond to my post? I have asked you legitimate questions regarding your character and your campaign. As a voter I believe in order for you to win my vote, you must answer my questions in an honest and forthright way. Also, what are you trying to prove with your poll? Do you really think the average voter is stupid enough to not see through your sham and biased polls and realize that they really mean nothing... [read more]
July 17, 2008
Gregoire's Campaign Based On Hypocrisy
by TrueSoldier, 01:28 AM, 1 Comments
I just thought I would share this letter to the editor that I wrote (and suprisingly enough the Olympian printed) Gregoire's campaign based on hypocrisy Recently in a news conference, Gov. Chris Gregoire had the following to say: "We have hit rock bottom in this campaign, and it is only June." She went on to say, "I call on my Republican opponent Dino Rossi to denounce the BIAW and these ads and instead run a campaign focused on good policy... [read more]
July 02, 2008
Updated: Spectacular Failure! Martin Tobias and BioFuel.
by JeffB., 01:14 PM, 3 Comments
It's sometimes very instructive to go back in to the past and look at bad policy decisions and their outcomes. Blogs are a great source of history. Join me in going back to this Matt Rosenberg post on BioDiesel and Ethanol from 2005. Not to just toot my own horn, but my comments then were largely spot on. Look where we are today with the high price of gasoline fuel, even higher price of ethanol and high food prices. A... [read more]
June 10, 2008
Can Rossi Win?
by warrenpeterson, 12:18 PM, 5 Comments
http://clearfogblog.wordpress.com/2008/06/09/can-rossi-win/ I went to the Washington State Republican Convention a Dino Rossi supporter but a doubter on electibility. Yes, he has the sympathy vote from the "stolen election" of 2004. And he has solid support among Republicans, but in a Blue state. Worse, he faces a rematch with an incumbent, female governor who so far has managed to avoid any major scandal and she has, with the help of the Democrat controlled Legislature, paid off her base support with record... [read more]
June 03, 2008
Stefan, Please come back!!!
by JeffB., 11:54 AM, 6 Comments
This post is a plea for Stefan Sharkansky to return to blogging. Stefan, I realize you probably have a lot of great personal reasons to be taking a break from blogging. Frankly, it's mentally draining and not always a good use of one's time. And I do enjoy Eric's almost too frequent posts and Jim's and Don's occasional posts. And pudge has been an excellent addition to the team. But as a long time reader and commenter of this blog.... [read more]
June 01, 2008
WA GOP takes a controversial stance on Anchor Babies
by guitarplayr, 11:36 PM, 5 Comments
One of the news items on Orbusmax was this: State GOP: No automatic citizenship for kids born in U.S. to illegal immigrants The state Republican Party adopted a platform Saturday that includes a provision aimed at opposing automatic citizenship for babies born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants. This is not a new idea... The state party approved a similar platform plank at its 2006 convention that proved controversial. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution recognizes citizenship for all... [read more]
Observations of a Convention Newbie
by kennethwilliamklein, 01:21 AM, 13 Comments
2008 Washington State Republican Party Convention Spokane, WA Point of Clarification (I learned these words at the convention): I supported John McCain at this convention, but not all of the vote suggestions by the delegation leaders. Day One I arrived at the County Convention early Friday morning and quickly made my way through the credentialing to take my seat as a delegate of the Washington State Republican Party. When I came into the main convention hall, I noticed some friends... [read more]
May 28, 2008
Petition to reschedule Hemp in the State CSA
by publicbulldog, 10:09 PM, 3 Comments
5/5/2008 I believe a new rule should be developed. The subject of this rule is: Rescheduling Industrial cannabis hemp The rule will affect the following people: Washington State citizens The need for the rule is: The current schedule for marijuana includes Industrial Cannabis Hemp, which is totally benign, and harmless as a drug, underscoring the intent of scheduling marijuana, which is to prevent Competition, not save the public from harm. The current schedule for Industrial Cannabis Hemp is hindering the... [read more]
May 27, 2008
Goodloe-Johnson: Goals without stragegies
by Lobolita, 05:05 AM, 1 Comments
The Seattle school district is enjoying a froth of media attention over Dr. Goodloe-Johnson's new plans (pdf) for improvement. Unfortunately, the plans offer plenty of goals, but are thin on concrete strategies to reach those goals. This is a constant problem in Washington State public schools, where those in leadership envision fantastic outcomes, but seem consistently unable to meet them. I've started a new blog, WashingtonEdblog.com, to cover education issues in Washington State. As a high school teacher with decidedly... [read more]
May 23, 2008
Which one will Rossi cut?
by tpahl, 08:21 PM, 15 Comments
Here is a list of state agencies. Which ones has Rossi proposed we cut? None. And yet we are told by his campaign that he is for small government. I think his theory is that if he points out Gregoire raised spending by 33% he is free to not only keep it at that elevated level but continue to raise it another 32% because it is better than her. I will only support candidates that give proposals that would cut... [read more]
May 22, 2008
Become an Espionage Agent for LeCerveau!
by LeCerveau, 01:44 PM, 0 Comments
Find yourself being mistreated by your bosses at the Washington State Democratic Party, Futurewise, the Brainerd or Bullitt Foundations, one of the Democratic candidate campaigns, or a crackpot government agency or environmental group? Here is an opportunity to help the public by anonymously providing secret inside information that can appear on line on my public blog on 'Sound Politics'. Sit down and find yourself an online e-mail service with Yahoo or Google and fill in the profile with phony info... [read more]
May 19, 2008
I'd Like To Sell SR-520, please.
by John425, 01:53 PM, 4 Comments
http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/19/penn-turnpike-is-sold-for-128-billion/index.html?hp Penn. Turnpike Is Sold for $12.8 Billion May 19, 2008, 1:51 pm A consortium led by Citigroup and Spain's Abertis Infraestructuras won the bidding war to run the Pennsylvania Turnpike with a $12.8 billion offer, Gov. Edward Rendell said on Monday. The group, which includes Australia's Babcock & Brown, beat out a rival group that includes Goldman Sachs and Transurban Group. The deal is the largest ever privatization of a toll road in the United States, as infrastructure investments... [read more]
MAINSTREAM Democrats to support McCain!
by LeCerveau, 06:02 AM, 6 Comments
Former Democratic Candidate for VP Geraldine Ferraro otherwise known as 'Ms Blue dog' has announced today, according to the NY Times, that she and others will likely vote for John McCain. Reeling from charges that she is a RACIST aimed at her by the Obama team, she is now calling Barack a sexist and an ENEMY of MODERATE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN! To make matters worse Democratic Party officials, nationwide, were shocked at Obama's call for taking away SUV's from Americans and... [read more]
May 13, 2008
No. Carolina-doing what Gregoire fails to do!
by John425, 10:06 AM, 0 Comments
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,355382,00.html North Carolina Community Colleges Will No Longer Admit Illegal ImmigrantsTuesday, May 13, 2008 RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina's community colleges will no longer admit illegal immigrants, returning to more restrictive policy on the advice of the state Attorney General's Office. Last year, the system said it would enroll illegal immigrants who are 18 years old and high school graduates at all of its 58 campuses. The policy provoked heavy criticism, especially from the leading candidates for governor. The system... [read more]
May 11, 2008
FINAL WAKE UP CALL?
by LeCerveau, 09:14 AM, 0 Comments
John is trying to be subtle here, but this is starting to get scary! It's time to get off the budget rollercoaster John Barnes Communications Director Copyright Washington Policy Center Some people like the thrill of rollercoasters. Our lawmakers must love it because the biggest rollercoaster in Washington is owned and operated by the state. It's called the budget. Lawmakers and the governor have grown state spending by 33% in the last two budgets. Now the Senate Ways & Means... [read more]
May 02, 2008
Initiative 1030 Information!
by LeCerveau, 06:08 AM, 0 Comments
By going to the website: http://taxfight.org/ one can download the petition and start gathering signatures. Remember this is a two (2) sided document and has to be printed with the two sides according to: RCW 29A.72.100: "The person proposing the measure shall print blank petitions upon single sheets of paper of good writing quality (including but not limited to newsprint) not less than eleven inches in width and not less than fourteen inches in length." IT is set up for... [read more]
April 29, 2008
Big Money, Big Al, Global Warming!
by LeCerveau, 09:41 PM, 0 Comments
The Western Climate Initiative Fraud! Have you ever heard of the Western Climate Initiative? It's called the WWI and consists of a number of government officials from Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, California, British Columbia and Manitoba. They are meeting to destroy jobs, wipe out the economy of the west, put an end to inexpensive power generation and all in the name of Carbon Sequestering! Their first big meeting will be held in Salt Lake City on 5/21.... [read more]
April 27, 2008
A preview of the WA state GOP convention?
by tpahl, 04:11 PM, 5 Comments
The Nevada State GOP this weekend held its nominating convetion for president. The state leadership expected the convention delegates to rubber stamp the pre-chosen slate of delegates for the national convention. By a vote of over 700-400 the delegates said heck no! The state leadership seeing that they were not going to be able to ram through their pre chosen McCain delegates then chose to screw over all the delegates by calling for recess denying the delegates a chance to... [read more]
April 23, 2008
Two PI articles, Same reporter, two differnet views
by TrueSoldier, 12:13 AM, 1 Comments
I was reading the article by Chris McGann entitled Rossi's rematch is an uphill fight and noticed the following statement by Governor Gregoire's Communication director Debra Carnes, "She came in and was handed a $2.2 billion deficit and she's turned that into a substantial surplus. She's got 84,000 kids back on health care. She's increased teacher salaries, reduced class sizes and upheld the will of the voters, reinstating the initiatives that the people passed," Carnes said. The article from December... [read more]
April 22, 2008
Assisting others to die
by tpahl, 10:02 PM, 15 Comments
This November the voters of the great state of Washington will vote on whether the government will lift its restriction on assisting others to kill themselves. Initiative 1000 is titled "Death with Dignity", its opponents have opposed such language instead opting for 'physician assisted suicide'. I see two important aspects of this intiative. 1. Will it pass? This is where the semantics of the title will be much more important than it really should be. In general people are for... [read more]
Atty. Gen. Rob McKenna Likes Playing Doctor
by alapoet, 05:08 PM, 6 Comments
Attorney General Rob McKenna isn't a physician. When it comes to medicine, he is no more qualified than any other layman. Yet he feels qualified to second-guess doctors when they recommend legal medical marijuana to patients with terminal or debilitating conditions. And he feels free to deny the best medical care available to an entire [under]class of people (probationers) in the state of Washington. Rob is, in effect, practicing medicine without a license. McKenna is the top law enforcement officer... [read more]
April 20, 2008
Libertarian Party of WA Convention 4/19/08
by FreeSk8, 12:37 PM, 21 Comments
Yesterday, I attended the LP WA convention at Titlow Lodge in Tacoma. There were about 40 attendees, and five presidential candidates. The event was covered by Tacoma public access TV. Here are some of the highlights. The business meeting was pretty uncontroversial, with the convention delegating candidate vetting and National Convention delegate selection to the Executive Committee. The LPWA gets 33 delegates to the national convention, and many signed up to go to Denver at the end of May. We... [read more]
Has the Seattle Times gone nuts?
by LeCerveau, 12:23 PM, 1 Comments
Does the name Carey Quan Gelernter ring a bell? Well, he is the nutcase, crackpot editor that was responsible for the most ridiculous piece of ignorant, yellow sheet sensationalism to come out of the brain dead Seattle Times. It came out this Sunday and is called: FOOTPRINT. Issued as part of the Pacific Northwest (extra) magazine Sunday insert, it was full of the regular nauseating green crackpot babble; carbon footprint, save the planet, save Puget Sound, sustainability, global warming, climate... [read more]
April 14, 2008
Progressives aren't
by JeffB., 11:07 AM, 2 Comments
If ever there was an truly ridiculous euphemism, it is the term Progressive. The facts abound. Watch how the wheels are now coming off the Obama campaign. What motivates such a defective ideology? As Senator Obama, his wife and reverend have helpfully peeled back the layers of their hateful onion, we peer in awe at the narcissistic Progressive psyche. But what is even more dumfounding is the built in self-destruct mechanism of the Progressive ideology. It is simply fascinating, that... [read more]
The Truth from Ruth Gibbs Part 2
by ruthgibbs, 06:06 AM, 2 Comments
OK everyone, Doug Parris is blogging again on his Reagan Wing with more inaccuracies except for one, so I will respond here. Before I do, Doug, I would like to say that my sympathies are with your family at this time of grief for you when you just lost your mother. My father died at 75. He would be 85 this May 1st if he had lived. My mother died at 55. So, I feel your pain at losing parents... [read more]
April 13, 2008
THIS DOG DON'T HUNT!
by LeCerveau, 09:21 AM, 4 Comments
I jumped up on the Weather Channel last night to see what was in store for Sunday and 'WAA LAA' there was a University of Washington "Crying poor mouth" ad. A big one right on the website asking for tons of money to help its students pay their tuition and other reasons! Well, GEE WHIZ let me see if I understand this situation. The U Dub receives about 350 million dollars from the State Legislature per year, it owns about... [read more]
April 09, 2008
THE TRUTH FROM RUTH GIBBS
by ruthgibbs, 03:53 PM, 71 Comments
THE TRUTH FROM RUTH GIBBS About the 11th District Caucus, the Ron Paul and Doug Parris Slate, the people on the slate and the people and groups who endorsed the slate. Many people have contacted me with concern about the the blatant lies posted by Doug Parris on both HIS Reagan Wing Website and on the Public Blog at Sound Politics.org regarding what happened at the 11the District Republican Caucus smearing both 11th District and King County Republicans, Rev.... [read more]
April 07, 2008
Gregoire, Democrats and Unfunded Liabilities in WA
by John425, 03:31 PM, 1 Comments
Been thinking that inasmuch as Gregoire and her Gang like to spend taxpayer dollars on anything pretty and shiny, perhaps she'd like to explain why the total unfunded pension liabilites in Washington state have mushroomed from $778 million to $6.4 billion! A very bright and shiny number where I come from. It is an eightfold increase in five years!! The Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 1 unfunded liability increased from $584 million to $3,9 billion between 2000 and 2005.... [read more]
Dino Rossi - Campaign to Piss Me Off
by Susannity, 10:55 AM, 18 Comments
Holy telemarketing politician Batman! We are called daily by the Campaign for Dino Rossi. Once, it was twice in the same day. My husband would answer the phone and I would hear him say "sorry, not interested" and hang up. One of the times he tells them to please stop calling. So this time I answer the phone and it's them again. The man starts his spiel "I'm calling on behalf of Dino Rossi..." Me in a firm and slightly... [read more]
April 02, 2008
Northshore school administrators enjoy massive Perks
by gschroe, 08:40 PM, 11 Comments
Wondering how to vote on your next school bond issue? why don't we look beneath the covers a bit! The Seattle Times has an article today, called "Northshore administrators enjoy perks" Shown in full on their website at: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/2004321668_perks02e.html It Seems, according to the Times article; "Administrators in the Northshore School District have bought big-screen TVs, camcorders, home-theater equipment and iPods for personal use, all with taxpayer money. What's more, if the employees leave the district, they get to keep... [read more]
April 01, 2008
Happy Birthday Junk Science dot Com!
by LeCerveau, 01:43 PM, 0 Comments
Here is some of the latest news from the web site: Junkscience.com. Happy birthday on your web site Mr. Steve Milloy, founder: I wouldn't get too excited about items like this - People might be displaying considerable rationality and rating global warming as relatively insignificant but Don Al Goreleone has been working with his Consiglieri and Capo-Regimes for many years assembling a massive war chest and a literal army of soldiers -- and they are getting ready to go to... [read more]
March 20, 2008
Toby Nixon to Seek Return to State House of Representatives
by Toby_Nixon, 12:14 AM, 11 Comments
Former State Representative Toby Nixon announced today that he will seek election this year to return to the legislature as state representative for the 45th District. Nixon, who served in the state house for five years from 2002 through 2007, will challenge Roger Goodman, who was elected to the seat Nixon vacated when he ran for state senate in 2006. Reversing an earlier statement that he would not run for office in 2008, Nixon said, "After watching the legislature's failure... [read more]
March 18, 2008
Supreme Court Upholds Washington State's Open Primary Election System
by thcase, 10:56 AM, 11 Comments
Per Fox News, the US Supreme Court today decides with the voters and not with the every diminishing parties. By a 7-2 vote, the court says the state may use a primary system that allows the top two vote-getters to advance to the general election, even if they are from the same party. Just like the initiative campaigners have found, Washington voters do want a say in the process. They are tired of politics as usual from both sides. Writing... [read more]
March 17, 2008
Paul takes Whatcom County
by tpahl, 09:16 PM, 14 Comments
In this article from The Bellingham Herald we learn that despite McCains narrow win in the first round of Caucuses, Paul is coming out ahead in delegates at some of the county conventions. Why? My answer to that question is he inspires people to actually support him whereas McCain inspires no one. McCains support comes from the media telling people he is the nominee. It looks like it will become self fulfilling. While McCain attempts to take the party further... [read more]
March 16, 2008
Glacier Melting, People will Starve to Death, Oh!
by LeCerveau, 01:09 PM, 2 Comments
ON THE BOGUS GLOBAL WARMING FRONT IN EUROPE COMES THIS: The Observer Newspaper apparently has a double page spread on the fact that scientists report that 30 glaciers are showing signs of accelerated melting. The consequences are the usual chorus: sea levels will rise, water supplies dry up and millions will starve. Reported on the BBC the implication was made to suggest this would happen very soon. What were the facts? The 30 glaciers showed an increase of melting from... [read more]
NOT BANNED IN BOSTON, BANNED RIGHT HERE
by Banned, 05:13 AM, 10 Comments
NOT BANNED IN BOSTON, BANNED RIGHT HERE. 1. This comment prompted a reply from me which was deleted: " 2 . I note for the record that Wilda, a.k.a WVH, in agreeing with Kerry's comments, also therefore agrees with Ferraro, who WVH claims is racist, and that WVH is therefore racist. Q.E.D. Posted by pudge at March 15, 2008 11:09 PM 3. Wilda, I removed your lies. Posted by pudge at March 16, 2008 12:00 AM 4. Wilda, you said... [read more]
March 14, 2008
"Nobody else is DOING the whole economy like we are!"
by LeCerveau, 08:53 AM, 1 Comments
As lawmakers and elected officials looked on, Gov. Chris Gregoire laughed out loud Thursday as she signed into law a measure aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. A measure that directs Washington state to come up with plans for cutting greenhouse gas emissions was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Chris Gregoire, who said the state has taken another step to create a new economy based on clean energy and sustainable practices. Attending were "FAST" Hans Dunshee from Snohomish and... [read more]
March 13, 2008
End of Global Warming?
by LeCerveau, 10:16 PM, 1 Comments
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Data center says that 2007 was the coldest year since 2001 and temps are headed down! That should be good news for Governor Gargoyle who is determined to outlaw the bubbles in your can of beer: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20080313_coolest.html In addition the Arctic Ice sheet came down further south this winter than it has in 45 years.... [read more]
March 03, 2008
The facts on Global Warming!
by LeCerveau, 02:58 PM, 8 Comments
This is essentially a primer on Global Warming or Climate Change that I have put together for the scientifically impaired. I have included a number of internet links that are labeled at the end of this report for those who wish to read extensively on the subject. I have been following the issue for more than a decade and after seeing what the radical environmentalists are doing with this concept, I have decided to do something about all of the... [read more]
March 02, 2008
State Legislature v. State Auditor
by Jojobber, 09:08 PM, 5 Comments
Washington State Legislature Threatens to Hamstring State Auditor Check out this article on the Washington Policy Center Blog. Apparently, the Washington State Legislature wants the State Auditor to reimburse School Districts and Educational Service Districts for the costs they incur in providing information to performance auditors. Never mind that the information the auditors request should be readily available. If the entities that they audit need to take an enormous amount of time, or expend great effort, to provide information, that,... [read more]
February 25, 2008
Stop the unionization of PARENTS -- stop HB 3145
by Toby_Nixon, 05:49 PM, 2 Comments
Friends, I share Gary M's concerns about HB 3145. The state of Washington should not be unionizing parents, be they foster parents or otherwise. We do not need union rules determining how parents can relate to their children - but it goes farther than that. The idea that anyone who receives benefits or payments from the state requires representation by a labor union has got to stop! Once a union "contract" is injected into the mix, the will of the... [read more]
February 19, 2008
Even Zoning Drives Up Housing Costs
by John425, 12:51 PM, 2 Comments
From: http://volokh.com/ http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=302388 Zoning and the Subprime Mortgage Crisis: Randal O'Toole has an interesting post rounding up evidence showing that zoning and other government land-use restrictions have played a major role in causing the subprime mortgage crisis. Zoning helped cause the crisis in two ways: by artificially inflating the price of real estate, and by increasing the likelihood of a "boom-bust" cycle in real estate prices. As Harvard economist Edward Glaeser and UPenn economist Edward Gyourko showed in this 2002... [read more]
February 15, 2008
More Incompetence arrives in Seattle
by John425, 03:29 PM, 0 Comments
http://theeprovocateur.blogspot.com/2008/02/dr-andy-and-media-corruption-meets.html New COO of Providence Hospitals in Seattle Thursday, February 14, 2008 Dr. Andy and the Media: Corruption Meets Incompetence Meets Corruption Introduction Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, or Dr. Andy as colleagues called him, has traveled a long and winding road. He has frankly commited an obscene amount of corruption and worse yet, he has done it in all parts of the country. Agwunobi came to Atlanta's South Fulton Hospital as CEO immediately before a JCAHO report that gave the hospital... [read more]
February 14, 2008
Gregoire Authorizes 100 Million $$$'s for State Ferry Monopoly
by tpahl, 05:53 PM, 13 Comments
Gregoire signed a bill today giving the state ferry monopoly 3 more vehicle ferries. That the Democratic governor would sign away so much of our money to a state monopoly is not surprising, just disappointing. What is surprising is that when one looks at the roll call for the bill in the senate and house, the bill was approved by a majority of Republicans!!! Why are Republicans afraid to say no? We are not talking about a small amount of... [read more]
February 12, 2008
Quasi-Super Saturday Wrap-up
by Cydney, 12:30 AM, 4 Comments
Yeah, yeah, so I'm a bit behind on posting about the several contests that were held on Saturday for both the GOP and the Democrat presidential candidates. I was visiting family, and I was busy doing other things, like driving long distances. So here it is, two days later. Be happy. Huckabee trounced, hammered, clobbered, whooped, crushed, or otherwise soundly defeated John McCain in the Kansas caucuses on Saturday. The results? Huckabee 60% McCain 24% Paul 11% As for Louisiana, Huckabee barely squeaked... [read more]
February 11, 2008
Esser RISKS non-"winner" delegate bloc / backlash
by ccwt, 07:01 PM, 3 Comments
Chairman Luke Esser needs to learn the law of unintended consequences. And language has consequences .... Today, the Chairman spoke on Kirby Wilbur's radio program, saying at one time that the Party remains officially neutral regarding the delegates the candidates gained, then immediately reinforced his use of the "winner" language, certainly not neutral rhetoric. The unintended consequence the Chairman risks is the formation of a delegate bloc alliance against his declared "winner", as backlash to his imprudent and unnecessary use... [read more]
Emperor Gregoire and Darth Mariner
by pudge, 08:57 AM, 2 Comments
This totally doesn't deserve to be on the front page, but I thought people would get a kick out of it, so I am putting it on the "Public Blog." I always thought the picture of Gregoire being picked up by Mariner Moose looked like Emperor Palpatine's death scene from Return of the Jedi. Hence this terrible -- but terribly funny, to me -- Photoshop job:... [read more]
February 10, 2008
PCO demands Esser withdraw "winner" statement
by ccwt, 08:17 PM, 2 Comments
Open letter to Chairman Luke Esser, Washington State GOP Dear Chairman Esser, I am the GOP PCO for SEA 34-1247 precinct, and delegate for Dr. Ron Paul. I write to strenuously object to your intentionally deceptive and biased press release titled, "Sen. McCain Wins Republican Precinct Caucuses in Washington State" of February 9, 2008. With 87.2% of the precincts reporting and 13.8% "uncommitted" or "other" (meaning we do not know their preference, or did not support Mr. McCain) and 16.5%... [read more]
February 08, 2008
An Apology and a Request Regarding John McCain
by goddardtp, 03:06 PM, 19 Comments
One year and three months ago, I finished up what really was a wonderful time serving as Mike McGavick's New Media Director in spectacularly disappointing fashion. In the days and weeks that followed, I was inordinately frustrated with the terrible analyis of the nationwide 2006 debacle, but too drained by the whole experience to craft any response. I took a break from blogging and politics in general. Then I got a great opportunity to go overseas, which extended this break... [read more]
February 06, 2008
$61,290,000,000! (Yes Virginia, 61 Billion!)
by SouthernRoots, 05:21 PM, 5 Comments
It's a good thing that the legislature doesn't pass every bill they write. However, it only takes a couple of bills to pass to cause severe financial hardships on the taxpayers. Sign up to the OFM emails - unless you have a weak heart. So far, out of thousands of bills, OFM has notified us of only a handful. I selected 24 from the emails OFM sent out. I put the numbers into excel and was astounded by the unbridled... [read more]
February 05, 2008
Ron Paul's message to WA Conservatives
by tpahl, 05:18 PM, 22 Comments
The following is a message from Ron Paul to Washington State conservatives. For people concerned about the end of the conservative movement (not the same as the Republican Party) this message makes a very strong case. What is your prediction of Paul in Washingtons Caucus? Dear Fellow Washingtonians, The presidential primary election is fast approaching. By now, you've heard the moderate pitches from three of the Republican candidates. But there is also a strong conservative in this race. Congressman Ron... [read more]
February 04, 2008
Kiss your wallet goodbye - it's Property Tax time
by Seabecker, 09:43 PM, 11 Comments
41%. Forty one percent! Increase. 1.41 x last year's tax = this year's tax. Dollars, not assessed value. That, folks, was the news I got today as I saw my 2008 Kitsap County Property Tax bill for the first time. Much of this was due to local levies, but the State General Fund portion alone was 37% higher. So much for I-747 and other tax-limiting devices. 71%. Seventy one percent! Increase. 1.71 x 2006 tax = this year's tax. Dollars,... [read more]
February 03, 2008
Costco vs Liquor Control Board
by tpahl, 10:27 PM, 8 Comments
The 9th circuit court of appeals recently decided against Costco in its case against the Washington State Liquor Control Board. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the Washington State Liquor Control Board could prohibit discounts, ban central warehousing of beer and wine by retailers, require wholesale distributors to charge uniform prices to all retailers and require a 10 percent markup. That the 9th circuit would find in favor of the state against the free market is hardly suprising.... [read more]
PI predict strong showing for Paul and Obama
by tpahl, 06:48 PM, 0 Comments
The Seattle PI just predicted a strong showing for Paul and Obama. On the Republican side, Paul reported more than 1,000 donors, giving him the edge over former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney with 700 and Arizona Sen. John McCain with 500, filings show. All donors of $200 or more must be disclosed in the filings. The edge in donors is important because those are the same dedicated partisans likely to spend their Saturday at Washington's precinct caucuses. In addition to... [read more]
January 30, 2008
Crossover Appeal
by lrousso, 11:47 AM, 8 Comments
Did you know that Lee Rousso is running for Governor? It's true! Rousso (that's me) is running as a Democrat, but is making an appeal to REPUBLICAN voters. Let's face facts, Dino Rossi needs your vote in November. HE DOESN'T NEED IT IN AUGUST. Indeed, crossing over and voting against Gregoire in the Democratic primary is the most rational thing a Republican voter can do. Please visit my website, leeroussoforgovernor.org Thanks, Lee Rousso... [read more]
January 17, 2008
Don't I get stock certifcates?
by SouthernRoots, 10:06 PM, 2 Comments
I read HB 2421 and it has one major flaw - it doesn't issue stock certificates. Over the next ten years the plan is to extract, through increased taxes, over $8.5 billion dollars. With this money, the state wants to "invest" it in companies - even startups - to produce electricity with solar power. I can't remember the last investment I made with a gun pointed to my head, but I digress. Since my money will be taken from me... [read more]
January 16, 2008
HB 2490 -- The "secret police act of 2008"?
by Toby_Nixon, 12:57 PM, 8 Comments
Citizens who care about government accountability, transparency, and access to public records should be very concerned about a newly-introduced bill, HB 2490, entitled "Relating to protection of personal information about commissioned peace officers and their families", which might more appropriately be named "The Secret Police Act of 2008". You can see information on the bill at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2490. The bill would add the following exemption to the state Public Records Act (PRA), RCW 42.56, in section 42.56.230: (3) Personal information about... [read more]
December 28, 2007
And the U-N-D-I-S-P-U-T-E-D Heavyweight Champ Is...
by Mike98070, 07:42 PM, 2 Comments
Like a determined prize fighter, yesterday the state Supreme Court connected again--this time landing a punch right in our face. It assaulted all of us who care about fairness, decency, and open government that is. In a split decision the Court decided that the government is not compelled to release information that falls under the umbrella of attorney-client privilege. I think most people were like me in that they pictured attorney-client privilege protecting individuals--not government agencies. Boy were we ever... [read more]
December 27, 2007
Toby Nixon announces he will not run for State Representative in 2008
by Toby_Nixon, 01:18 PM, 3 Comments
Former 45th District State Representative Toby Nixon issued the following statement to his friends and supporters today: "I appreciate the many inquiries and expressions of support I have received over the past few weeks from many friends in the community and around the state. After much careful consideration and consultation with my family and advisors, I have decided to not seek election to the state House of Representatives or any another office in 2008. I have made a number of... [read more]
Bring Five Grassroots Effort
by WVH, 01:08 AM, 2 Comments
"Bring Five Grassroots Movement" It occurred to me that faith-based voters have more similarities than differences. There are differences in right-to-life issues such as abortion and assisted suicide. There is more agreement than not in issues like a good basic education for all children, support for families, a viable economy that creates jobs, and a tax system that does not penalize marriage. Even on the abortion issue, many people from all sides can support adoption and support for the mother... [read more]
December 17, 2007
Free Public Forum to Discuss Access to Government Information
by Toby_Nixon, 06:14 PM, 0 Comments
The Herald and the Washington Coalition for Open Government will present a special program focusing on Washington's Public Records and Open Meetings laws from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on Wednesday, January 9 at the Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA, 14033 Fryelands Blvd. in Monroe. A panel of expert presenters will fuel the discussion on securing and preserving the public's legal right to access the records and proceedings of the government agencies created to serve the people of the state. The panelists... [read more]
December 16, 2007
Pedro Celis of Redmond Named Co-chair of Romney Campaign in Washington
by Toby_Nixon, 09:53 PM, 1 Comments
http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/WA_Steering_Committee_Co-Chair GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES WASHINGTON STATEWIDE STEERING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR Boston, MA (December 14) -- Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the endorsement of Dr. Pedro Celis, Ph.D. as a Co-Chair of Romney for President's Washington Statewide Steering Committee. Celis will play a critical role in building grassroots support for Governor Romney in the state. As the former National Chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, Celis will also help expand the Governor's support in the Hispanic community as a member... [read more]
December 03, 2007
Cantwell Aide in Kiddie Sex Bust
by Toby_Nixon, 04:57 PM, 5 Comments
According to The Smoking Gun, James McHaney, aide to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, was arrested on Friday for Attempted Child Exploitation involving a 13-year-old boy. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/1203072senate2.html Senate Aide In Kiddie Sex Bust FBI: Staffer for Sen. Maria Cantwell sought tryst with boy DECEMBER 3--A U.S. Senate aide was arrested Friday after allegedly arranging a lunchtime sexual encounter with a teenage boy, according to federal court records. James McHaney, 28, was nabbed by FBI agents after he arranged the afternoon liaison... [read more]
November 29, 2007
Math Education
by raeven, 12:22 PM, 7 Comments
If you have a child in a Washington state public school, you will want to see this video posted on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr1qee-bTZI In the video, Washington meteorologist MJ McDermott explores how math is being taught in the schools throughout our country that are using the Everyday Math and TERC curricula. Fan or critic of the methods, this video is worthwhile for enlightening parents on how to help their children master these new techniques (or discard them altogether). For Michelle Malkin's... [read more]
November 22, 2007
Sound Politics Thanksgiving Wish
by gschroe, 12:29 PM, 0 Comments
Just wanted to take time out today to wish all at Sound Politics (Especially all those who keep this site up and running) a happy Thanksgiving.... [read more]
November 15, 2007
Evergreen Leadership Conference Sessions on TVW, Presentations Available for Download
by Toby_Nixon, 12:57 PM, 0 Comments
Materials from Evergreen Leadership Conference II: Issues, Insights, and Influence are available online now for your use. The PowerPoint presentations used by presenters have been consolidated into a single file for download, which is available in both PowerPoint format and Adobe PDF format. The PowerPoint file is available at http://www.evergreenconference.org/ELC2%20Presentation%20Slides.ppt (13.3 megabytes), and the PDF file is available at http://www.evergreenconference.org/ELC2%20Presentation%20Slides.pdf (7 megabytes). The files are large due to the number of graphic images used by the presenters. We thank the... [read more]
My Constitutional Amendment Idea
by pudge, 12:47 PM, 4 Comments
I want an amendment to the Constitution that would require a supermajority to change the Constitution. Just a thought.... [read more]
November 08, 2007
747 crashes
by SouthernRoots, 09:39 AM, 10 Comments
Initiative 747 has been declared unconstitutional. What were the constitutional grounds? The voters were too stupid to know for what they were voting. I voted for 747 because I wanted property tax increases limited to 1% without a vote. Period. The justices believe that voters didn't vote for the end result, but instead were voting on a reduction in the rate increase from 2% to 1%. 2% was set by I-722, but since I-722 has been declared unconsitutional, the actual... [read more]
Election reflections with some surprises and a small rant
by guitarplayr, 12:31 AM, 2 Comments
I offer up front that because of the mail in vote delays, many of these races are not actually certified, so there is a possibility that some results may shift. I am not betting on it, but it is possible. I posted my thoughts on Elections in general yesterday, and I still remain somewhat disgruntled. I was reminded that moving to an adjacent county would offer me my ballot again, and I admit it is tempting, but I do like... [read more]
November 06, 2007
Mike Kreidler, Abuse of Authority?
by pudge, 09:40 AM, 2 Comments
Is anyone else offended that our elected insurance commissioner has been appearing in commercials promoting R-67? I didn't vote for him, but if I had, I wouldn't have elected him to campaign for or against initiatives. Just a passing thought. I guess I am glad I didn't vote for him, and I surely won't vote for him again, especially considering he has been telling baldfaced lies about R-67, by saying R-67 won't cost law-abiding insurance companies money.... [read more]
November 03, 2007
Washington State Pro-Lifers Determined to End Abortion
by michellemcntyr, 06:15 PM, 10 Comments
Last night, David Bereit, the national director of 40 Days for Life, addressed the large crowd gathered from all over Washington, including leaders of all 4 Washington locations where 40 Days for Life campaigns are being held and where David visited earlier in the day (Everett, Olympia, Seattle and Tacoma). In today's daily campaign update and devotional, which is received by thousands of 40 Days for Life participants across the nation, David recounts the enthusiasm and determination of Washington State... [read more]
Evergreen Leadership Conference II: One Week from Today! Register Now!
by Toby_Nixon, 04:07 PM, 0 Comments
Just One Week from Today! Evergreen Leadership Conference II: Issues, Insights, and Influence Saturday, November 10, 2007 Marriott Courtyard Downtown Tacoma Register Online at www.EvergreenConference.org Come and hear these great speakers! Jason Mercier, Director, Center for Government Reform, Washington Policy Center Senator Joe Zarelli, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Ways & Means "The Inconvenient Truth About the State Budget" Brian Sonntag, Washington State Auditor "Performance Audits Improve Government Accountability" Bob Williams, President, Evergreen Freedom Foundation "Assuring Budget Transparency" Carl Gipson,... [read more]
October 21, 2007
Approve 67 and Mike Kreidler Claim R-67 Changes Nothing
by pudge, 03:00 PM, 14 Comments
The latest ad from Approve 67 notes that the state's Insurance Commissioner, Mike Kreidler, said that "insurance premiums will not go up." But that can only be true if R-67 changes nothing. If there's more lawsuits, or more out-of-court settlements, then insurance premiums necessarily go up. If there's higher awards in lawsuits or settlements, then insurance premiums necessarily go up. If there's more or higher payouts by insurance companies, in order to avoid lawsuits and settlements, then insurance premiums necessarily... [read more]
October 18, 2007
Evergreen Leadership Conference II: Don't Delay, Register Today!
by Toby_Nixon, 08:32 PM, 6 Comments
Don't Delay! Register Today! Discounted Early Registration Ends on October 31 Evergreen Leadership Conference II: Issues, Insights, and Influence Saturday, November 10, 2007 Marriott Courtyard Downtown Tacoma Register Online at www.EvergreenConference.org Don't miss great presentations by Bob Williams, Evergreen Freedom Foundation; State Auditor Brian Sonntag; State Senator Joe Zarelli; State Senator Dan Swecker; State Senator Val Stevens; Dan Kennedy, Human Life of Washington; Rick Forcier, Christian Coalition; Toby Nixon, Former State Representative; Lynn Harsh, Evergreen Freedom Foundation; Gary Smith, Independent... [read more]
October 16, 2007
Ron Paul attracting WA Racists?
by John425, 11:42 AM, 4 Comments
From: http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/ Ron Paul Supported by Racist Western Men James Joyner | Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Who supports Ron Paul's bid for the presidency? White supremacists and men from the West Coast, apparently. Thomas Edsall reports, Through no fault of his own, Rep. Ron Paul's anti-globalist, anti-government campaign for the Republican presidential nomination has become a magnet in neo-Nazi networks, pulling in activists and supporters from the fringe white nationalist community where anti-Semitism, anti-black and anti-immigrant views are commonplace. In... [read more]
October 10, 2007
More "Approve R-67" Lies
by pudge, 12:26 AM, 7 Comments
In their latest ad the folks over at Approve 67 claim that "Washington is one of only five states where it's not illegal for insurance companies to deny your legitimate claim." That is false. It is illegal. If you contract for a service that is not provided as per the contract, that violates the law. If nothing else, it violates contract law. But it goes deeper: R-67 modifies RCW 48.30.010 to add, specifically, that an insurer "may not unreasonably deny... [read more]
October 05, 2007
Lawsuits Only Happen To Bad People
by pudge, 11:30 AM, 0 Comments
"If the [insurance] company lives up to their own advertising to deal with you as their policyholder in good faith, and they all advertise that way, then they're not gonna pay one dime more." -- Mike Kreidler, Washington State Insurance Commissioner, on KING-5 News According to Kreidler, there's no such thing as fraudulent or frivolous lawsuits, or lawsuits based on honest disagreements. You only ever get sued if you do something wrong. Now you know. Me, I'm voting against R-67.... [read more]
September 23, 2007
Registration NOW OPEN for Evergreen Leadership Conference II: Issues, Insights, and Influence -- Tacoma, November 10
by Toby_Nixon, 10:51 PM, 0 Comments
You're invited to join conservative leaders from across Washington at Evergreen Leadership Conference II: Issues, Insights, and Influence, on Saturday, November 10, 2007 in Tacoma. You can find complete information about the conference and register online at www.EvergreenConference.org. We all know that conservative solutions to the problems facing our state are the right solutions that will increase our happiness, prosperity, and security in a manner consistent with our fundamental principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, limited government, and free markets.... [read more]
September 12, 2007
"Schrammie" Acceptance Speech
by pudge, 10:02 PM, 10 Comments
Last post on this subject, I promise. I won the Schrammie. You can read or watch Ken Schram's opinion of me, and see or hear the object of his outrage, the song I wrote called "Osama Bin Laden, You Ruined My Birthday." Tonight I posted my acceptance speech. The speech is primarily in the form of a song I wrote a year or so ago. However, I wrote the second verse today. So Ken, bend over and take your bow,... [read more]
I Won The Schrammie
by pudge, 02:08 PM, 0 Comments
That's right. Yours Truly has won The Schrammie for the week for the episode I mentioned yesterday. If you're a Nielsen family, don't bother to watch, but everyone else can turn on Channel 4 for the 6 p.m. hour. Update: I apparently get an actual physical Schrammie. Woo!... [read more]
September 07, 2007
WCOG Award Event -- You're Invited!
by Toby_Nixon, 05:11 PM, 1 Comments
I invite you to join me at the Washington Coalition for Open Government annual James Madison-James Andersen Award Event on Friday, September 21, 7:30AM at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle. Paul Wright, editor of Prison Legal News and a former Washington prison inmate, will receive WCOG's James Madison Award. The award, named for the nation's fourth president, known as the Father of the Constitution, is awarded annually to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the cause of... [read more]
BDS: Seahawks fans go mental over Bush getting a Seahawks jersey
by guitarplayr, 12:00 AM, 1 Comments
Here is the scene. Bush comes to town to attend a fund raiser. The Seahawk's decided to present him with a Jersey with his name and the number 43, as he is the 43rd president. And the president was thrilled, and Matt Hasselbeck and Mack Strong were thrilled. The crowd was thrilled. Everyone was thrilled. Except the liberal Seattle fans. Seahawks duo blitzed by Bush backlash Are you still fans of Matt Hasselbeck and Mack Strong after they visited President Bush last... [read more]
September 02, 2007
SAVE THE DATE: Evergreen Leadership Conference II: Issues, Insights, and Influence -- November 10 in Tacoma
by Toby_Nixon, 02:08 PM, 0 Comments
Evergreen Leadership Conference II: Issues, Insights, and Influence will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at the Marriott Courtyard Tacoma Downtown. Doors will open at 8:00AM; the program will begin at 8:30AM and conclude by 6:00PM, followed by a reception for you to meet and greet conference speakers and your conservative friends from around the state. This one-day conference will inform you about the issues of greatest importance in Washington today, provide important insights into conservative solutions to those... [read more]
August 22, 2007
..[ day seven ]..DOC in their zeal to protect the community are putting the community at risk by abusing the generosity of homeless shelters...
by hmlssNseattle, 03:05 PM, 0 Comments
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 ..[ day seven ]..DOC in their zeal to protect the community are putting the community at risk by abusing the generosity of homeless shelters... Link to Blog Last night became my seventh night staying at the UGM homeless shelter, but only after extreme panic and much anxiety where I thought I had exhausted all my shelter options. After attending 5:30 mass at St. James, I rushed to the library to make some phone calls to the... [read more]
DANGER: Vote NO on all fire/medical levies (and others)! Tax Levies used to be temporary; now, they're PERMANENT!
by cryptometaphor, 06:56 AM, 0 Comments
And levies are on the PRIMARY ABSENTEE BALLOT! Parks! Woodland Park Zoo! No wonder Ron Sims wanted "vote-by-mail" ! Seattle Times: Warning: Tax hikes becoming permanent Senate Bill 5498 reversed the old "if-it's-not-marked-permanent-it's-temporary" rule. I wondered why the Woodinville and the Northshore Fire Districts were posting "Vote Yes To Continue Current Funding" signs all over the place. Now, we know! If we're tricked into voting "Yes," their needing to grovel to voters for trips to the public trough never has... [read more]
August 19, 2007
State Auditor does his job...Politician throws hissy-fit..
by Jojobber, 11:18 AM, 2 Comments
It appears a Thurston County Commissioner has a problem with State Auditor Brian Sonntag doing his job and using the new performance audit authority to hold governments accountable. Read this editorial in The Olympian... [read more]
August 15, 2007
Gender Politics Do Not Help Children
by BananaLand, 12:01 AM, 1 Comments
Another glaring example of DSHS's horribly misguided approach to protecting children has woken me from my summer slumber. The Seattle Times describes how CPS repeatedly returned a young boy to the home of his step-grandmother and grandfather. He was relegated to living in a trailer behind the house. And CPS signed off on it. Twice! Worse, the boy was continually and severally beaten, choked, and burned by his step-grandmother. Detectives now believe the suspected abuse -- mostly by Loni Venegas... [read more]
July 23, 2007
R.I.P. Washington State Death Penalty
by Palouse123, 03:08 PM, 8 Comments
Prosecutors in the Linnik murder decided not to seek the death penalty against Terapon Adhahn. This was in exchange for revealing where her body was located. So any reasonable murderer can conclude one thing. If you do a decent job hiding the body, if caught, you can spare your life in Washington state.... [read more]
June 14, 2007
Recall petition for Governor Gregoire
by publicbulldog, 08:16 PM, 4 Comments
Recall petition for Governor Gregoire As Attorney General, Governor Gregoire did not properly enforce the Washington State medical marijuana law 69.51A. As Attorney General, Governor Gregoire allowed 16 or more Washington State Counties, to enforce County laws over State law 69.51A. County laws are subordinate to State General laws. The Washington State attorney General failed to challenge a declaration of separate sovereignty by 16 Washington State Counties. During Governor Gregoire's tenure as Washington State Attorney General, 16 Counties of Washington... [read more]
June 10, 2007
Review of Norm Dicks UW Commencement Speech
by kennethwilliamklein, 12:18 AM, 11 Comments
http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/05/08/100wir_b5briefs001.cfm I had the honor of attending my youngest brother's graduation ceremony from the University of Washington on Saturday, June 9, 2007. For the record it was 56 degrees and a constant shower of rain (beautiful Washington weather). I've been told that the commencement speaker was supposed to be Bill Gates, but Bill pulled out a month ago to give the commencement address at Harvard and the school filled the spot with Congressman Norm Dicks. The speech was billed as... [read more]
May 29, 2007
A Republican Creed
by pudge, 02:47 PM, 9 Comments
I had some recent discussions recently about what made someone a Christian, and the topic of creeds came up. The creed is a statement of essential principles that -- according to the people who believe the creed -- every Christian must believe in. If you believe the creed, you're probably a Christian. If you don't, you're not. And in this discussion that many of us have been having for years about mainstream Republicans vs. social conservative Republicans and so on... [read more]
May 27, 2007
EFFin' Unsound Loves Me
by pudge, 11:45 AM, 1 Comments
Apparently I've made quite an impression over at EFFin' Unsound. Both of their editors in the last week have posted articles about me, attacking things I've posted here, and in my Slashdot journal. Apparently they didn't appreciate me pointing out the fact that Glen Greenwald lied about what Mike McConnell wrote in an op-ed, or that Michael Moore lied by saying his $12,000 gift to one of his critics was done with the "best intentions," when in fact it was... [read more]
April 26, 2007
KVI, Thurston's Corrupt Courts and You
by Andy_Maris, 09:18 PM, 1 Comments
Let me extrapolate on what I said in the comment thread about Wickham and KVI. I've followed Wickham since 2003- suffice to say that his decisions aligning with actual law are purely a coincidence. His ruling against KVI reflects the norm, not the exception. Locally, the Zero (The Olympian) endorsed Wickham heavily in his election; printed endorsements 3:1 over those for other candidates. Many know he's as crooked as they come and has no business sitting on the bench and... [read more]
April 23, 2007
WSU Police Chief demoted for these videos?
by Cougster1, 12:21 PM, 1 Comments
WSU Police Chief Steve Hansen was demoted ("resigned") early this month to lieutenant because of looking at inappropriate things at work (and maybe other reasons?). The university put out a report on this found here. WSU Today on Hansen's actions: The announcement comes at the conclusion of a WSU internal auditor's investigation into a complaint of improper computer use in the police department. According to the auditor's report, Hansen viewed e-mails that were sent to him containing inappropriate material, forwarded... [read more]
YouTube Video on Gregoire's Felon Release Program
by patrickb1, 10:04 AM, 0 Comments
Send it far and wide!... [read more]
April 03, 2007
SB5103 - Seatbelts on School Buses
by SCarnahan, 04:32 PM, 1 Comments
SB5103 is destined to increase the cost of transporting children to the point that fewer students are transported on the safest form of transportation available. The bill is counter-productive and short sighted. Putting more children at risk of accident should not be the purpose of our elected representatives. SB5103 is poorly researched, poorly drafted and will not make our children on yellow school buses safer. [read more]
March 30, 2007
Move al-Quaida Terrorists to W. Washington?
by BobLeibowitz, 06:24 PM, 6 Comments
Are You Nuts? You Want to Put Who in My Backyard? Democrats, liberals and completely spineless types on the national scene have been bad-mouthing Guantanamo Bay as a permanent location for holding the worst of the worst al-Quaida leaders collected during the first four of our 100-year war. These progressive leaders put a great deal of weight on favorable opinions of similar sorts from other countries, obsessing about "respect" from the likes of the French, the Germans and other superior... [read more]
March 19, 2007
Getting Started on the GOP Platform...
by John425, 11:10 AM, 0 Comments
A few suggested topics...(please feel free to refine or add planks) (1) Make it mandatory that WA employers use the online Social Security Number Verification System for ALL new hires AND that they keep a downloaded confirmation for 2-3 years. Penalties TBA (to be announced-ideas?) (2) Redefine and simplify the College Tuition Tax Credits AND turn them into Deductions for the middle class. (3) Make Charitable deductions equal to 120% of the actual donation if the donation is directed to... [read more]
March 15, 2007
"There Oughta' Be a Law!" paper & survey results
by OctoberLeaf, 06:15 PM, 1 Comments
For anyone who's curious, Here's a link to "There Oughta' Be a Law!"--the paper that resulted, in part, from the survey circulated here a few weeks ago on law-making in Washington State: http://portfolio.washington.edu/christal/christals-legal-briefcase/317157.html I hope it proves interesting. Pax. -cw... [read more]
March 08, 2007
The Three Democrats that voted for HB2377 before they voted against it
by TrueSoldier, 08:07 AM, 1 Comments
It turns out that the three Democrats that voted for bill HB 2377 have had a John Kerry moment. Deborah Eddy (48th district), Deb Wallace (17th district) and Kathy Haigh (35th district) all entered vote correction form yesterday stating that they actually meant to vote "nay" on this bill. This means that ALL the Democrats voted against a bill that would have stopped felons from being released early and would have returned felons to prison who violated their early release.... [read more]
March 06, 2007
Gregoire Under Fire
by patrickb1, 05:53 PM, 3 Comments
Cross-posted at RespectfullyRepublican.com Olympia -- Governor Christine Gregoire is coming under fire on at least three issues that are endangering her ability to govern effectively. At the top of the news cycle for a number of months was the Viaduct in-decision. You can now add to that the early release of felons, and allegations that she exchanged political favors to tribes in return for political contributions to a PAC that supported her anointed slate of judicial candidates. On the first... [read more]
March 04, 2007
March 12 "Sunshine Week" free events in Olympia and at U.W.
by ArmenYousoufian, 01:12 PM, 0 Comments
Sunday, March 4, 2007 Re: Upcoming open government "Sunshine Week" events featuring Stefan Sharkansky, Sound Politics founder, and Armen Yousoufian, occasional contributor. Item: Monday, March 12, 2007 "Sunshine Week" events in both Olympia and Seattle (at University of Washington); both free and open to the public; 10 AM to 1 PM time frame (you could come and go anytime). To: Anyone I thought would be interested in two free, open to the public, local events having to do with open... [read more]
March 01, 2007
Republican's trying to stop further release of felons
by TrueSoldier, 02:05 PM, 0 Comments
Kirk Pearson's freeze on early release bill may have gotten renewed life after the recent release of 83 felons, including a level three sex offender, from King County last week. This bill was never given a committee hearing even though the Democrats could find plenty of time for committee hearings on such bills as dogs being allowed in bars and outlawing huckleberry picking (you know things that are really important to the voters). This bill was considered dead, but not... [read more]
February 16, 2007
Your Help Needed- SuperQuick Survey
by OctoberLeaf, 03:00 PM, 5 Comments
Hi, Sound-Politics Bloggers: I'm a law student, and I'm conducting a super-quick yes/no survey of WA State residents about their understanding and feelings about how laws are made, for an academic paper I'm working on. You may follow this link to it: http://www.exordia.net/survey1/ Your answer will help me to parse out public perceptions across demographics and interests. Your answer is valued whether you are highly political or not--in fact, especially if you're not. The survey is anonymous. Please answer--pretty please.... [read more]
January 26, 2007
How Local Governments Suffer From "Unfunded Mandates"
by radioguy8, 03:47 PM, 4 Comments
For a few years now, as part of my radio news job, I've interviewed members of the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC), specifically, members of the WSAC Legislative Steering Committee (LSC). The LSC is made up of County Commissioners and Councilmembers from throughout Washington State. Their job is to establish a "message" to send to the legislature and the governor that is representative of the needs, wants, and concerns of the state's county governments. Over the past few years,... [read more]
January 25, 2007
Tax Proposed on Cargo Containers at WA Ports
by pjw1958, 08:56 PM, 1 Comments
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- State Senator Mary Margaret Haugen (Socialist: Camano Island) has proposed a tax on cargo containers shipped through Washington ports. http://www.kirotv.com/money/10833914/detail.html?rss=sea&psp=news -- What ever happend to: No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of... [read more]
January 21, 2007
Where's the Math Video
by Mathwarrior, 12:15 PM, 7 Comments
Parents who are bewildered by the kind of math their children are exposed to in school should watch this video. A parent who is also an atmospheric scientist demonstrates how multiplication and division problems are done with this new-fangled math. Incredibly confusing stuff for a kid, done to avoid standard algorithms. This link of the video called Math Education: An Inconvenient Truth takes you to the YouTube site. The video has sparked a lively discussion at YouTube that includes a... [read more]
January 15, 2007
SB 5234 - An appropriate statement to make on the MLK holiday
by Andy_Maris, 11:28 AM, 6 Comments
Also posted at Thurston Pundits SB 5234 The subject is shared parenting- It's actually about civil rights; The issue is this: In the absence of criminal wrong doing, proven abuse or neglect a parent who WANTS to be a part of their child's life- should be able to do so without going bankrupt in a legal battle for the right to do so. Everyone knows two parents are better than one, however family courts prefer to wipe one parent out... [read more]
January 10, 2007
WA DOT just doesn't "get it"
by tmonroe, 10:02 AM, 0 Comments
I was reading through winter driving tips on the DOT website this morning, and I came across this little gem: Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows - stay at least 15 car lengths (200 feet) back and don't pass on the right. Does this look familiar to anyone? Remember the experiment with the dots they painted on the road, trying to get drivers to maintain a safe following distance? You know, the one in Lacey that caused gridlock and... [read more]
January 06, 2007
All about Andrew Villeneuve, "prominent American political activist and entrepreneur"
by olyscoop360, 07:38 AM, 1 Comments
In that last post about the Northwest Progressive Institute someone asked in the comment thread: "Isn't this NWPI the blog that's run by a guy who lives with his parents?" Why, yes, yes it is. 19 year old Andrew Villeneuve is the wunderkind of NW politics. He's run the NPI for three years now, creating the behemoth of politics that it is. I'm just kidding. Its mostly a blog, but he likes to think of himself as an executive director... [read more]
January 04, 2007
NPI minimum wage white paper: Ripping off themselves
by olyscoop360, 08:07 PM, 2 Comments
The NW Progressive Institute released its first "white paper" today, -- see the bottom of this Daily Kos post -- but unfortunately for them its a piece of recycled... well, you know, its recycled. We've been waiting four years or so for this imaginary group to finally put something out, and when they do, its pretty much just a rewritten diatribe. The section titled "The Future," is lifted directly from this section of the "white paper" authors website titled "Overview:... [read more]
December 18, 2006
Life and Death in Darkness
by ERNurse, 10:10 PM, 0 Comments
Last Thursday night/Friday morning, more than a million people in my region were plunged into darkness by one of the worst windstorms in modern Washington State history. Whole cities were still, dark and lifeless. Other than the drivers around me, not a single person was seen outside. The atmosphere was made all the more strange by the moaning of the wind through the power lines that bowed, dead and useless, from their poles. Huge old-growth trees were ripped from the... [read more]
December 12, 2006
Cato Institute Gives Gregoire an "F"
by radioguy8, 06:01 PM, 4 Comments
The November/December issue of the BIAW newsletter included an interesting piece I needed to share... The Cato Institute, a non-profit public policy research foundation headquartered in Washington, D.C., recently issued its biennial fiscal policy report card on the nation's governors. The report card's grading is based on 23 objective measures of fiscal performance. Governors who have cut taxes and spending the most receive the highest grades. Those who have increased spending and taxes the most receive the lowest grades. Washington... [read more]
November 20, 2006
Brain Death at DSHS.
by jcmount, 11:57 AM, 2 Comments
DSHS once is again is reverting to its brain dead, bureaucracy bound, and baffling mode of operations. They are canceling the Permanent Placement Family Program (PPFP). PPFP identifies kids in high-risk situations where the parents either through case history, or severity of the situation are not likely to be able to regain custody of the children. These kids are place with a foster family that is already identified as the most probable adoptive home. This program minimizes the children's moves... [read more]
Veterans and Military Families Get Political
by JulieTackett, 01:15 AM, 6 Comments
"My Path from Civilian to Veterans & Military Family Political Activist" My husband Mike joined the Army at 18 and put in 13 years. When he got out in 2000, he met and married me, moving to Seattle to work in law enforcement. I didn't know anything about military life or being a military spouse. In fact, I was pretty comfortable in my life as a civilian. After a year or so, he asked if he could join the local... [read more]
November 16, 2006
Bill Gates wants accountability
by Palouse123, 10:12 AM, 7 Comments
A fantastic Bill Gates editorial on education appears in the Times today, which advocates just about everything the WEA opposes. Starting with math and science standards for public schools, comparing our pitiful requirements in Washington with those of Texas. Yes Texas, that bastion of liberalism where they actually require four years of math and science to graduate - the horror! While he does not come out and say that the unions are responsible for the failure and lack of accountability... [read more]
November 13, 2006
Darcy Burner: Huge Loss for Nutroots!
by JeffB., 09:52 PM, 38 Comments
Darcy Burner's 8th CD campaign is finally coming to a failed end. This is a significant loss for the Nutroots movement which heavily backed Burner and other candidates like Peter Goldmark in the WA 5th CD and Ned Lamont for Democratic Senator for Connecticut. It's doubtful that Nutroots activists like David Goldstein of HorsesAss.org will have the courage to admit this embarrassing defeat, but that is exactly what it most certainly was. Darcy Burner should not have been picked as... [read more]
November 10, 2006
It begins with PCO's - where's the nominations?
by ccwt, 01:25 AM, 5 Comments
As an elected GOP PCO I've been reading the various rants across select blogs about the abject condition of the Party, with various generic recommendations of the necessary changes. Some of these can be found ... Reagan Wing Phil Spackman (now a PCO?) ... and of course at Sound Politics (main and public). I've heard, unofficially, that the KC GOP org meeting, where PCO's vote for Officers and Reps to the State, will occur Sat, Dec 2. As a PCO... [read more]
November 06, 2006
Dominatrix demands votes
by ccwt, 12:44 PM, 0 Comments
This is the funniest thing since "Borat" ... What's a voter to do when their Dominatrix speaks? And the Seattle City Council worries about lap dancers ...... [read more]
November 04, 2006
Call for Anti-933
by SCarnahan, 11:52 PM, 4 Comments
I got a call from an "Out of Area" caller tonight. (Caller ID was masked). The woman on the line started telling me how unfair I-933 is and that research has shown that it is going to cost money. During her spiel she mixed up the numbers, easy enough to do. After she finished I asked where she was calling from. She told me Florida. I told her that if the anti I-933 campaign was willing to pay out of... [read more]
"Republicans" on the ballot?
by ccwt, 02:40 PM, 4 Comments
Remember those good old days when "Republicans" ran for elected office? I remember those days, back in September 2006, the primary ballot was full of them. Including myself, as a GOP PCO candidate. But ever since then it's become really hard to identify the "Republican" candidates for the General election, at least for the Federal offices. Mike McGavick now describes himself as Independent. Dave Reichert is uber-Independent. Since brand marketing is a "use it or lose it" process, I guess... [read more]
November 03, 2006
The Female Vote?
by MarleneAdams, 03:23 PM, 1 Comments
I'm on the downhill side of 50 and I was born and nominally raised a Catholic, so I can just remember when people talked quite seriously about the Catholic Vote. Heck, if you are old enough to remember the last Presidential Election you can remember some murmurings about whether Kerry would get this "block." In 2004 we discovered there was no longer a Catholic Vote, but here in the State of Washington, with 2 US Senators and a Governor who... [read more]
WSU College Republicans Face Verbal, Physical Abuse for Immigration Stance
by Palousitics, 01:01 PM, 3 Comments
From today's Moscow-Pullman Daily News:Tempers flare at demonstration; WSU College Republicans erect chain-link fence to support Bush border plans By Erin Madison, Daily News staff writer Washington State University College Republicans put up a chain-link fence on campus Thursday to show their support for plans by President George Bush and Congress to construct a fence or wall along part of the Mexican border. For Marisol Badilla, it was painful to see the fence on the Glenn Terrell Mall. "It really... [read more]
November 01, 2006
McGavick's "spoiler" leverage
by ccwt, 01:46 PM, 3 Comments
One of the most clever ads this season comes from the McGavick campaign for a smooth "spoiler" leverage using the Dixon and Guthrie campaigns. The "Iraq/Decisive" ad ... OPENS with recognition of the Dixon and Guthrie campaigns' positions on the Iraq war, in a positive manner. For a short time I wondered why any campaign would have anything positive to say about another campaign's position on the war, then it was clear this is a very clever "spoiler" appeal to... [read more]
October 31, 2006
Maria Cantwell: Treat or Trick
by JeffB., 10:31 PM, 3 Comments
Today is Halloween. Since Halloween falls on a weekday this year, it's mostly the province of dressing up in costumes at work, and trick or treating for children as night falls. So there I was with my family at Proctor Treats in Tacoma. If you are not familiar with Proctor Treats, it's in the Proctor Business District in Tacoma's North End. Each year, the police shut down the streets, and businesses hand out candy to a continual parade of little... [read more]
October 28, 2006
Nursing Students Ignored in Washington State Disaster Response Plans
by ERNurse, 08:22 PM, 0 Comments
Recent natural disasters have underscored the need for skilled volunteer workers. In every state, there are hundreds- if not thousands- of Nursing students who can be useful to healthcare organizations during public health crises. Yet some states, such as Washington, ignore the large group of people who can effectively augment and enhance a disaster response. In particular, senior-level nursing students can provide a broad spectrum of services due to their advanced level of training. Furthermore, senior Bachelor's Degree nursing students... [read more]
Senator Cantwell/Bellevue Community College Violate My First Amendment Rights
by Nick_Jacob, 04:05 PM, 19 Comments
Hey everyone, my name is Nick Jacob and I'm a sophomore at Bellevue Community College. I just wanted to let you know about a situation that occured Thursday on campus in which I, and four others, were denied access to the Maria Cantwell/Barack Obama rally because we were wearing Mike Mcgavick for Senate t-shirts. Four days ago, on October 24th, BCC public safety director Joe Fithian sent out an email to all BCC students, letting us know about the Cantwell/Obama... [read more]
The Reliability of Polling
by brettmalin, 03:52 PM, 3 Comments
This is a modification of a peice that Hugh Hewitt posted on his blog 10/18, and that the WSRP has included in their newsletter: As someone who has worked his entire adult life, 25 years, processing market research and public opinion surveys, I know there are ways to make subtle changes to affect the outcome of polls. I know enough about surveys to be able to construct one that shows people prefer Pepsi over Coke, 60%-40%, or vice versa, and... [read more]
October 27, 2006
Cantwell tires to appeal to Eastern Washington Voters
by TrueSoldier, 08:12 PM, 1 Comments
It looks like Cantwell is at it again with her talk of gas price descrepencies. Check this out from the Olympian website. SPOKANE - Just why were gasoline prices in Eastern Washington, particularly Spokane, so much higher this summer than prices in Western Washington? U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell on Friday again pressed the federal government for an answer. While an initial survey by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission blamed the differences on technical issues related to Rocky Mountain refineries that... [read more]
October 24, 2006
McGavick Rally with John Thune--Important Lessons Learned
by MicheleDeRouis, 10:44 PM, 7 Comments
I attended the rally for Mike McGavick at Bellevue High School last night (10-23). It was well-attended. There were the usual small crowd of rabid lefties outside with opposition signs, but they did not enter the building. I arrived some 15 minutes late, so I missed some of the speeches, but Dino Rossi stood on the platform with my Congressman, Dave Reichert. After McGavick spoke, Senator John Thune--the guy who beat out Tom Daschle--from South Dakota got up and spoke.... [read more]
Bobsy Twins Campaign Materials
by SCarnahan, 06:28 PM, 0 Comments
Many registered voters this time of the year are being inundated with political flyers. If I don't get them thrown in the recycle bin as fast as I can, sometimes I actually read the trash. I have noticed that the latest flyers from the state democratic party have decided to pair Maria Cantwell and Darcy Burner together. Now my true hope would be that the millstone of Burner will drag Cantwell right down into the mediocre mud that she belongs... [read more]
October 16, 2006
Darcy's Selective Use of her Brother
by orrinjohnson, 12:18 PM, 4 Comments
Darcy Burner claims ad nauseum that her military family - and specifically her brother who was in the initial OIF invasion force - is somehow a national security qualification that trumps Dave Reichert's actual qualifications and veteran status. So why does she completely ignore her brother's experiences and counsel regarding that conflict? I don't think that military service necessarily correlates with good governance or strategic wisdom - John Murtha and John Kerry are proof of that. But service (or that... [read more]
October 13, 2006
Camano Island Property Taxes Soar
by gschroe, 06:22 PM, 5 Comments
If ever there was a greedy witch, Gary Bur, Island county chief appraiser absolutely deserves this uncoveted title. He states" This kind of increase is to be expected". Really Mr Bur! You obviously have no problem with massive increases in property tax, but I imagine the folks on the Island (myself included) will have something to say about you, and all property tax hikes of this nature, come election time. It appears Camano Island has felt the massive pinch of... [read more]
October 12, 2006
Political Yard Signs and HOAs
by pudge, 10:38 AM, 29 Comments
Last week I got a letter in the mail. Basically, someone probably complained to my homeowner's association, and they complained to me, because our HOA agreement prohibits "signs or advertising devices of any character," with a few exceptions (none of which includes political signs). I have four normal yard signs up in my yard, for Doug Roulstone, and Mike McGavick, and my state reps, Dan Kristiansen, and Kirk Pearson. Out of curiosity, I looked up the relevant Washington State law.... [read more]
October 09, 2006
Cantwell's Recent Endorsement
by SCarnahan, 11:16 PM, 2 Comments
Maria Cantwell was prominently covered in today's news reports about her endorsement by the Washington Association of Fire Chiefs. She also claimed that she has the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs support. My question did she sleep with them to get this endorsement? Did her friend Ron get any money lobbying these groups to endorse her? We need someone who is more ethical in the Senate than Maria Cantwell. It is typical for a democrat to get support of... [read more]
October 05, 2006
A potential election house-of-horrors?
by FastVoteFred, 10:39 PM, 0 Comments
Article in Log Trucker Magazine October 2006 issue, page 2, "From the Stump" column written by publisher Michael P. Crouse Mid-term elections are notorious for low voter turnouts because they generally fail to capture the public's imagination, but this year the media is yet again salivating at the thought there may be a return of their... whoops, forgot how unbiased the media is so strike that... the return of the Democrats to power in the House of Representatives. While we... [read more]
Take the Lead
by JanetSuppes, 10:23 PM, 0 Comments
Tonight I attended one of the public meetings being held by the WEA, PTA and League of Education Voters (http://www.taketheleadwashington.org/) to talk about Gregoire's education review. As one would expect, the focus of the meeting was class size, increased funding, and a redefinition of basic education that the state is constitutionally required to provide. The slide show and "questionaire" that was presented at the beginning was completely biased in that direction. The group sessions were geared toward the same conclusions.... [read more]
October 04, 2006
It is time for a Right to Work Initiative in Washington State
by thedukeof, 02:23 PM, 3 Comments
After this fall's election, we need to organize a Right to Work initiative in Washington State. Our legislature will not touch it (they wouldn't even touch it when Republicans controlled) because they fear that attacking Unions is as bad as attacking Social Security - the third rail of politics - touch it and you die. So once again, it is left up to the citizenry to rise to the challenge. I believe that Sound Politics is just the vehicle to... [read more]
September 26, 2006
The Politics of Gasoline
by Palouse123, 11:20 AM, 8 Comments
I received another flyer in the mail the other day from the Burner campaign (or one of her 527's), proclaiming Reichert was the "rubber stamp" vote for Bush's policies surrounding energy policy. The flyer was largely the Bush and his energy buddies rhetoric, and I was suprised the word "Halliburton" did not appear anywhere. By voting for an energy policy (the first one ever in this country), Reichert apparently was supporting millions in "giveaways to the oil companies". I suppose... [read more]
September 24, 2006
Here's What Club for Growth Says About McGavick (and Cantwell)
by MicheleDeRouis, 09:13 PM, 15 Comments
As a sort of Part II from my previous post "Club for Growth Endorses MIke McGavick", I now share with readers what the Club says about our WA republican U.S. Senate candidate (the boldface has been added by moi) plus a few of my own personal thoughts about his liberal opponent: "Few candidates can match Mike McGavick's qualifications for the Senate. As the recent CEO of Safeco, he turned around the troubled insurer into a solidly profitable company. He also... [read more]
September 12, 2006
The State of State School Standards
by rachelburke, 10:23 PM, 0 Comments
The Thomas B. Fordham Institute , a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, has published its study of standards among American schools, "The State of State Standards 2006." I have no affiliation with this organization whose stated mission is to close achievement gaps by raising standards, strengthening accountability, and expanding educational options for parents and families. Grades & criticism are listed for school standards in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. The url, and if all goes well,... [read more]
September 07, 2006
Election Picks
by rachelburke, 06:22 PM, 5 Comments
For interesting reading, see Bob William's new web page: http://www.bobwilliamshome.net/default.aspx At this site, Mr. Williams shares his election picks among the nominees for justices of the Supreme Court and judges for the Court of Appeals. Mr. Williams also provides articles and links that may help you make your own selections, as well as a speech he made at the Libertarian convention. As most of you know, Mr. Williams is the president of the Evergreen Freedom Foundation and a former Washington... [read more]
Mike Webb--Trial Starts for the Questionable Liberal KIRO Radio Host
by lightningSVT, 09:08 AM, 5 Comments
The fraud trial of Ultra-Liberal (former) KIRO Radio Host Mike Webb started today. (Full Story Below). Interesting to note is that, even though he was fired from KIRO, if you visit his website he's still on air with the Mike Webb show for 25 stations. Take a look at the topics he is spreading his liberal blather on. The reason I bring these things up is that if you look at his blog, it appears the KORUM family of auto... [read more]
September 05, 2006
Alexander Owens and Chambers are Crooked Jurists
by Abyss45, 08:17 AM, 6 Comments
Alexander, Owens and Chambers are biased in favor of governments. They abuse their position of authority to further that bias. The improper technique they employ is misstating legal arguments raised against governments. This is a majority opinion released last November. What the majority did in that case is engineer a win for two taxing authorities by misrepresenting the legal claims the property owners raised. The actual legal arguments in the case were ignored completely. Instead of determining whether the citizens'... [read more]
August 30, 2006
WA Democrats Reject One Of Their Own
by radioguy8, 06:03 PM, 4 Comments
The Washington State Democratic party Tuesday announced that it will not throw its support behind incumbent state Senator Tim Sheldon (D - 35th District), but will support his primary election opponent, Kyle Taylor Lucas. Just as the Democratic in Connecticut did with Joe Lieberman, the Washington State Democratic Party has chosen to distance itself from a well-respected, long-term, lawmaker in favor of a much more liberal Senatorial candidate. Just what is going on here? If the goal of the Democrats... [read more]
I shop at walmart........
by hebron13, 12:17 PM, 8 Comments
The new "cool" thing to have in Olympia these days is a bumper sticker that proudly proclaims "I don't shop at wal-mart." For some odd reason, everytime I get behind a car proudly displaying this sticker, I can't help but want a sticker that says, "I shop at wal-mart". What bothers me is not that people don't shop at Wal-Mart, shop wherever the heck you want, I don't care, but it's the fact that people see this sticker as a... [read more]
August 19, 2006
IRV Senate poll
by ccwt, 06:42 PM, 0 Comments
Here's an interesting, unscientific WA Senate poll that counts results according to Instant Runoff Voting rules ... http://demochoice.org/dcballot.php?poll=WashSenate Let everyone know ...... [read more]
August 16, 2006
NPI brags as Cantwell blinks
by guitarplayr, 01:17 AM, 5 Comments
NPI (Northwest Progressive Institute) has a piece up applauding Cantwell for her newly formed position on Iraq. Maria, like Hillary Clinton and Joe Lieberman have long been criticized for their support of the war and the troops. Many northwest Liberals have been increasingly calling for hr head, politically speaking. After seeing the treatment by Lieberman by the DNC, it seems Maria has suddenly realized that she is playing a big game of chicken with the party over her position, a... [read more]
August 15, 2006
Darcy Burner Campaign Video- post mortum
by guitarplayr, 03:07 PM, 2 Comments
In what has generated the most comments, emails and page hits my blog has seen, I posted my assessment of the Darcy Burner (Candidate for US House, WA Dist 8 ) campaign video, and how I felt it was deceptive in that it allowed a false impression. When I emailed her campaign, her campaign manager, Zach Silk denied this was intentional, and even denied it was a realistic impression. The blog readers, for the most part, disagreed. I will post... [read more]
Cantwell Wants to "Change Course," But How?
by AndrewSaint, 01:40 PM, 3 Comments
Chad Shue, who writes "The Left Shue" and with whom I disagree on, well, pretty much everything, reports on Maria Cantwell's appearance at the Snohomish County Democrats annual picnic. The money quote is: "(Cantwell) seemed very comfortable (to point of passionate) about the call to "change course" and pulling the troops out of Iraq. I can't say that I was expecting any particulars on how we "stand up the Iraqis" but that is not necessarily for her to say." I... [read more]
User Guidelines For SP Public Blog: Come Blog With Us!
by mrosenberg, 10:01 AM, 1 Comments
We're very excited about the new Sound Politics Public Blog, which gives our readers and commenters a chance to share their own blog posts with the public. As you can see in the right-hand column on our SP main page, we have a running list of links to the most recent posts at our Public Blog site. To encourage more people to contribute more often to the SP Public Blog, here are some user guidelines in the form of Frequently... [read more]
August 14, 2006
A Soldier's Poem
by Peellite, 04:28 PM, 4 Comments
I just attnded the funeral service of my nephew (22 yrs old) who served our country. He was a proud soldier. His service ended in December 2005. He was killed in an auto-crash on Tuesday of last week. In the "program" that is given to each in attendance, there on the inner fold was a poem he wrote, and it reads: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My Poem-by Aaron George Nichols ~ 2002 As time fades away I can see myself getting older, my... [read more]
July 30, 2006
Mark Shattuck: Dark Horse in the 35th
by Andy_Maris, 10:24 PM, 0 Comments
Also posted at Thurston Pundits While most have their eyes on the Democrat primary of Sheldon v fruit loop tribal favor Lucas in the 35th district, the GOP has overlooked a potentially terrible strategic play of events: No candidate to run against the special favor candidate if Sheldon gets eaten alive. Suppose fruit loop tribal favor Lucas beats Sheldon in the primary? In the past that would have been highly unlikely. However, with the new rules for primary elections, voters... [read more]
July 28, 2006
Our House Delegation Loves Pork
by heartlesslibertarian, 02:39 PM, 0 Comments
Back on May 23, Representative Jeff Flake of Arizona proposed 19 amendments to strip earmark pork items and managed to engineer a by name vote on all 19. Since earmark pork is usually buried in mammoth omnibus appropriations bills voted on as all-or-nothing votes, this gives us a rare chance to see how individual members vote on individual items of pork. Sadly, our Washington House delegation voted extremely poorly, with most of them voting to approve all 19 items of... [read more]
July 27, 2006
Mrs. Gregoire slaps I-200
by Stefan Sharkansky, 12:31 PM, 0 Comments
[Mrs.] Gregoire Calls for Increased Diversity in Contracting OLYMPIA - [Mrs.] Gregoire today announced that she has called on Washington agency directors to work with the Office of Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (OMWBE) to improve fair access to contracting and procurement opportunities. "I believe in fair and competitive access to all contracting and procurement opportunities," said Mrs. Gregoire. "We are not doing enough to support these principles. We can and should do better." Mrs. Gregoire in a letter... [read more]
Democrats hope to capitalize on Supreme Court decision on marriage
by Stefan Sharkansky, 12:26 PM, 1 Comments
P-I: "Decision opens a door for Democrats in Legislature" OLYMPIA -- The state Supreme Court ruling upholding Washington's ban on same-sex marriages comes as a crushing blow to the gay community, but it's a best-case scenario for Democrats hoping to broaden their majority in the Legislature this fall. In response to Wednesday's decision, Democrats can neatly tailor legislative proposals to suit individual constituencies, including those that want to allow gay marriage, maintain the status quo or build on the politically... [read more]