"Legislator weary of west-side ideas; Mark Schoesler says Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is latest example of the problem"

It concerns me that Seattle senators say they know what's best for eastern Washington.

- State Senator Mark Schoesler

AMEN, Mark! A man that eloquent has to be reelected.

Senator Schoesler is our voice of reason in Olympia. I'm so glad my daughter is paging for him this week and gets to see that common sense in action.

From today's Lewiston Tribune:

OLYMPIA - Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, often has to hear west-side legislators preach about what eastern Washingtonians need. This session is no different.

A bill to promote the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative in eastern Washington passed through the Senate Wednesday, though it received almost no support from eastern senators, Schoesler said.

"It concerns me that Seattle senators say they know what's best for eastern Washington," Schoesler said.

The bill would mandate that the Department of Fish and Wildlife work with other ecology groups on Yellowstone to Yukon conservation projects. Though the department would work inside or near Washington's borders, Yellowstone to Yukon project areas span 1,990 miles from Peel River in the northern Yukon to Riverton, Wyo.

Bill sponsor Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, said the legislation would also dub Spokane the nation's capital for the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.

Despite their distance from Spokane, Jacobsen was approached by Seattle residents passionate about Yellowstone to Yukon preservation projects. Schoesler, on the other hand, said no east side groups have an interest in the organization.

"Not a single person from my district has approached me about this," Schoesler said. "I'm in regular contact with sportsmen and landowners and this isn't even within their radius of interest."

Schoesler, along with other bill opponents expressed concern the bill would encourage Yellowstone to Yukon workers to tear down roads in eastern Washington in the name of wildlife preservation.

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Director Sean Britt stressed such action was only taken after ecology workers researched the area and made agreements with the community.

"We wouldn't be against decommissioning a road, but our practice uses working science," Britt said. "We're not about creating one big park or taking out the human species. We're more interested to work and promote coexistence with humans and other species." ["Human species?" Like the animals are equal to us. Unbelievable. - tf]

Britt said Yukon to Yellowstone once helped a fishing outfitter in Island Park, who complained of bears invading his trash cans. The outfitter was supplied with grant money to purchase bear-proof waste bins, so he and his furry neighbors could coexist. The solution harmed neither the bear nor the outfitter.

Terry Gray, president of the Palouse Audubon Society said though he didn't know of the Yukon to Yellowstone program, any conservation projects would greatly help the Palouse, which suffers from clear-cutting and overdevelopment. [The Palouse suffers from "clear-cutting and overdevelopment?" He's joking, right? - tf]

As a part of the conservation area, the Palouse and its dwindling numbers of birds, from the evening grosbeak and grasshopper sparrow, could benefit from the bill. [Hmmmmm. There is no "dwindling number of birds" at the Port of Whitman County Industrial Park where I work. There are Swainson's Hawks, Black-billed Magpies, Red-winged Blackbirds, Ring-necked Pheasants, and California Quail in great abundance - tf]

The Party of Victims Indeed

Michael nailed it.

According to the (Everett) Daily Herald:

Prepare to provide your name, address, phone number and e-mail when you sign in at Democratic caucuses Saturday.

And, if you don't mind, please list your race and sexual orientation, too.

The form set for use in Snohomish and 37 other counties contains boxes asking for ethnicity, and if a participant is disabled or lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.

[...]

The inquiries are intended to help Washington's Democratic Party balance its selection of delegates.

Twenty-nine of the party's 97 delegates will be chosen in June based on the plan's numeric goals for diversity.

[...]

Those attending Republican caucuses won't find any optional questions. They'll simply sign their name and give their address, phone number and an e-mail address.

"We're not as obsessed with categorizing Americans as our Democratic friends," state Republican Party Chairman Luke Esser said.

Apparently Democrats are more concerned with the privacy rights of terrorists than members of their own party.

The Bullet or The Ballot

Reason #521 to vote the Rats out of Olympia this fall:

HB 3359 Concerning pistol ammunition.

Under this bill, stores that sell handgun ammunition must report the following to DOL:

(a) The date of the transaction;

(b) The name and date of birth of the purchaser or transferee of the pistol ammunition;

(c) The driver's license number or other government-issued identification card number of the purchaser or transferee of the pistol ammunition;

(d) The unique alphanumeric identifier of all pistol ammunition transferred to the purchaser or transferee; and

(e) Other information that the department of licensing determines is necessary.

PRESS RELEASE: Ninth District legislator tackles colon cancer with strength, determination

My prayers are with Steve and his family. If anybody has the strength and determination to beat cancer, he can. This is a guy who used to fly combat helicopter missions in Vietnam.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 30, 2008

Ninth District legislator tackles colon cancer with strength, determination

State Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, has revealed that he is undergoing treatment for colon cancer. The 9th District lawmaker received the diagnosis shortly after the beginning of the 2008 legislative session.

Hailey began a regimen of chemotherapy the week of Jan. 21, and is planning to continue his legislative work as much as possible throughout his treatment.

Hailey made the decision to go public with his cancer diagnosis because he wanted to be honest and open with his constituents, to keep them apprised of his progress, and to help educate people about preventing and detecting the disease.

“This is one of the toughest challenges of my life, but I feel strongly that I have an obligation to be candid about what I’m dealing with and what’s ahead,” said Hailey. “Saying ‘I’ve got cancer’ should not suggest that I’m not up to the emotional and physical demands of battling through this. I’ve been in rough spots before, and I’m confident and optimistic for a positive outcome.”

Hailey credits advances in diagnosis and cure of colon cancer for his encouraging prognosis, but the “gold standard,” he said, is early detection.

“Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers diagnosed in men and women in the United States, and I have joined the ranks of millions who are facing the same challenge and fighting the disease every day,” Hailey added. “Colon cancer is highly curable if detected in its early stages, and I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of regular testing and screenings.”

The American Cancer Society recommends that average-risk men and women over 50 have a fecal occult blood test yearly and a screening colonoscopy every five years. People with a strong family history of cancer should start screening at age 40.

Hailey, his wife and family expressed their appreciation for the many messages of encouragement from well-wishers.

"We have been heartened by the thoughtful show of support from our friends, both at home and among legislative colleagues and staff in Olympia. We are very grateful for everyone's concerns and prayers,” Hailey said. "The prognosis is favorable. My doctors and I are confident that the treatment protocol will be successful, and I look forward to a full, cancer-free recovery.”

To respect the family’s wishes for patient privacy and medical confidentiality, further updates on Rep. Hailey’s condition will be released when appropriate.

“Representative Hailey’s forthright honesty about his health is exactly what I would expect of him, and reflects the integrity and character of the man we know and admire," said 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler. "I urge everyone to keep Steve and his family in their thoughts, but also to respect their privacy during this difficult period."

“Steve’s a courageous guy, and together with his wife and family, he will rise to meet this challenge with his normal determination,” said Colfax Rep. Joe Schmick, Hailey’s state House seatmate. “He’s a well-liked, dedicated representative, a key part of our legislative team, and folks throughout the district are pulling for him."

"Lawmaker describes different view of health care; Governor's goal to insure every child overlooks huge group of citizens, senator says"

From today's Lewiston Tribune:

OLYMPIA - Despite the governor's messages of progress in state health care reform, Washington residents between the ages of 19 and 34 may be paying too much for health care.

After Gov. Chris Gregoire's State of the State Address, 9th district Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, expressed a different view on the state of health care within Washington.

"As I go around to our families and our businesses, a huge concern is the rising cost of insurance," Schoesler said. "That's a major burden for people in our district."

Though the governor has set a goal to insure every child in the state by 2010, Schoesler said the governor is overlooking a huge group of uninsured citizens identified last year by the Blue Ribbon Commission.

The Commission's report in 2007 urged the state to change its approach on insuring residents between the ages of 19 and 34, as they constitute more than half of Washington's uninsured.

The governor should focus on cost restraint and creating insurance choices to support people within this age group, Schoesler said.

"Nineteen to 34-year-olds' financial means and needs are different than other people's," Schoesler said. "I have a 27-year-old daughter who wants a different health care plan than what her mom and I have."

Schoesler had a hard time grappling with Gregoire's supplemental budget. He said though Gregoire plans to save $1.2 billion of the state's money, Washington will still incur debt because of costly projects passed in previous sessions.

Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, was also unimpressed by the governor's savings plan.

"Sounds to me like we're going to spend at least $253 million," Hailey said and pointed out much of this money was slated for projects outside his district.

Like her segment on health care, Schoesler said most points the governor made during her speech were upbeat to boost her image for re-election purposes.

"It was the time-tested themes of environment, education and health care with absolutely no details about what she's actually planning to do," Schoesler said.

Both Hailey and Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, were grateful for the governor's time spent honoring veterans and those who helped in the southwest Washington floods.

Schmick, who is attending his first legislative session, said he felt honored by the festivities and kindness the governor displayed in her speech.

"I may not agree with everything she has to say, but that's why we're here to work on them," Schmick said.

Dino Rossi's State of the State Speech

See it here.

Joe Schmick 3-Fer

My good friend and our newest 9th District State Representative, Joe Schmick, has attacted a lot of media attention as of late:

From today's Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

Schmick appointed to House Appropriations Committee

Washington 9th District Rep. Joe Schmick wasted little time making headway in Olympia. The freshmen legislator recently was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee.

Schmick, 49, a Colfax-based farmer and small business owner who was appointed to replace David Buri in November, was chosen by caucus leaders to sit on the House budget-writing panel.

House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt said Schmick is a newcomer with energy who is ideal for the committee.

"Joe has the work ethic that's essential for Appropriations, which is one of the most demanding committee jobs in the Legislature. Our leadership team has a lot of confidence in him," DeBolt said.

Schmick also will serve on the Higher Education and Local Government committees, both of which deal with policy and issues important to his district, he said.

"I look forward to the opportunities my committee assignments provide to focus on critical areas of public policy," Schmick said.

Schmick also was chosen to be part of the two-member delegation that carried a message to the governor during Monday's session-opening ceremonies informing her that the House was organized and prepared to do business.

From yesterday's Lewiston Tribune:

New lawmaker takes it all in
Rep. Joe Schmick stays on the run as Washington Legislature opens

OLYMPIA - On his first day at the new legislative session, Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, shuffled around brightly covered catalogues on his desk before his meetings began.

He picked up a 3-inch notebook of last year's budget notes and laughed as he waved it through the air.

"I don't think I'll ever get on top of my studies" he said.

Though it's his first time at a legislative session, Schmick proved himself a capable political actor during his time with the Whitman County Farm Bureau and in lobbying to be named to replace former Rep. David Buri in the House.

Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, attested to Schmick's capacity to represent his district during the session.

"People have a way to sense sincerity," Ericksen said, motioning to Schmick. "People will be able to tell that he's really ready to work for Washington."

Still, Schmick did seem nervous as he rushed past school groups in the Legislative Building to meet Gov. Christine Gregoire for the first time. During his minute with the governor, Schmick beamed and blushed as he shook Gregoire's hand.

In the House chambers, Schmick reported about his meeting with the governor to other representatives on the House floor. "It was pretty short and sweet, but it was an honor for me," he said. "The governor did say (she wanted to work) on time and to be on budget."

For his first day, Schmick spent time in the Higher Education Committee, listening to testimony about the state's master plan for higher education, and in the House Appropriations Committee to discuss the governor's 2008 supplemental budget proposal and hear testimony on the governor's early learning and K-12 budget proposals - stopping once to grab a few peanut butter crackers, which passed for lunch.

Schmick's days will get busier as he looks forward to meetings with the Local Government Committee later in the session.

While he has no specific bills he wants to champion this session, Schmick said he is passionate about representing his district. Schmick is also dedicated to his party's goals of minimizing state spending, as he believes many Washingtonians don't want or aren't able to pay higher taxes to fund huge state projects.

"There's not a group in state government that couldn't make a pretty compelling case for the need for new money," Schmick said. "There's just not enough money for all of them."

By 5:30 p.m. Schmick was back in his office, ready to take a real lunch break and tend to some personal affairs.

Schmick has organized a deal to sell his vending business in Colfax. He hopes this will leave time for his wife, Kim, to visit him on the coast - weather permitting.

And finally, from the December 22, 2007 edition of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

Mr. Schmick goes to Olympia

Joe Schmick's first days as a representative in the Washington Legislature have flown by with an unending slate of meetings and handshakes.

Schmick said he's still trying to get accustomed to his new role as a 9th District representative after nearly one month in office.

"I am just a fish out of water," he said. "I have a lot to learn. It's all new. That's why I have really been trying to get around the district and meet with as many people as possible."

Schmick was selected Nov. 26 by commissioners from Whitman, Garfield, Adams, Franklin, Asotin and Spokane counties to serve out the remaining year of David Buri's term in the Legislature. Buri resigned from the Legislature to become director of government relations at Eastern Washington University. Buri was elected in 2004 and had one year left in his second two-year term.

Schmick, 49, has been farming in the Colfax area for nearly 30 years and operates a vending machine business in addition to serving on the Washington Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He unsuccessfully ran in 2006 for the 9th District's seat held by Steve Hailey.

Schmick said when he is not trying to meet people others are trying to meet him, leading to a constant flow of visitors in and out of his Olympia office.

"I am surprised when I am in Olympia how many people come into the office," he said. "It's hard to get away. Once you get in people just start showing up. Everybody wants to visit with you. They just want to get to know me so they have a name to a face."

When Schmick isn't conversing with visitors, he spends much of his remaining time answering phone calls, responding to e-mails and reading pages and pages of information regarding upcoming bills.

"Because this is a short session there are an awful lot of bills being prefiled to get on the schedule," he said. "And being new, I don't know what I have to read and don't.

"I am doing the best I can."

Schmick didn't have to wait long before jumping into the legislative ring, getting a chance to vote on two separate bills during his first week in office.

Schmick voted in favor of restoring a 1 percent limit on property tax levy increases during a special one-day session in his first official legislative acts.

The ballot measure, which Washington voters approved in 2001, was overturned by the state Supreme Court. In a 5-4 decision, the court agreed with a 2006 Superior Court ruling that I-747's ballot language was misleading and unconstitutionally deceptive.

In his second vote, Schmick voted against a bill that would have allowed Washington residents making less than $57,000 per year to defer half of their property taxes. The bill passed 55-39.

Schmick said he voted against the bill because it gives the state the power to seize homes and other personal belongings if deferments aren't repaid.

"When the state becomes involved they have teeth," he said. "The state can come and get you."

The bill also gives another task to already overworked county governments.

"Basically we gave the county another job and not a penny to do it," he said.

Schmick also has been busy cosponsoring a couple of bills that involve rule changes for counties. He said the bills should pass easily, but that is not the way it always works in Olympia.

"If it were easy there would be all kinds of stuff passed through the Legislature, but it's not," he said.

Schmick also has been vying for committee assignments. He thinks there is a strong chance he will be on the Higher Education Committee and also has requested an appointment to the Health Care Committee, although being a freshman might limit his opportunities.

"I have requested a few, but I don't know," he said. "Being the low man on the totem poll makes it hard."

However, Schmick said high turnover in the Legislature could allow him to advance rapidly. There will be several new legislators joining Schmick in the upcoming session.

"There has been five different members come in so there it's going to be quite a bit of shifting," he said. "I am surprised with how much turnover there is in the Legislature."

Schmick said he has heavily relied on help and guidance from his aide, Pam Hahn, who has 20 years of experience in the Legislature.

"I am very glad to have an experienced aide to get me through," he said.

His fellow 9th District legislators, Rep. Steve Hailey and Sen. Mark Schoesler, also have been helpful.

"We work together a lot," he said. "It is such a large district we have to work together. They've been extremely helpful."

Schmick said he has many goals while in the Legislature, but the most important thing for him is to make sure laws aren't passed that would negatively effect the 9th District.

"I have two goals: I don't want to do anything that will hurt my constituents and I don't want to do anything that will hurt the county or its cities," he said. "The counties and cities have very distinct budget problems. We can't keep doing things that cause budgetary impacts - that's just wrong."

Schmick has no intentions of passing the torch when his one year in the Legislature is up.

"I do plan on defending the seat," he said. The commissioners "didn't want to put somebody in there for a year and walk away."

Schmick said he does not take the job of representing the 9th District lightly.

"It's an honor," he said. "Everyone says that, but it is. It is an honor to have the people of the 9th District choose me to represent them. I can't tell you how big of a deal that is, but it is."

Schmick said he thought his political ambitions would go unfulfilled when he lost in 2006. He is appreciative for a second chance.

"When I lost the last time, I though I was done," he said. "I thought I was done and I was OK with that. I ran a good campaign and I talked about what people thought was important and I stuck with it."

Schmick knows he has a giant task ahead of him, but he is up to the challenge.

"I am not kidding myself," he said. "I've got a lot of work - it's a big district."

How Washington Will Select Its 40 Delegates to the Republican National Convention

It's a bit cryptic. But the race for the Republican nomination is still very much up in the air and Washington will probably be a major player for the first time in years. YOU can play a part by attending the Whitman County Republican Caucuses on February 9.

Half of the GOP delegates will come from the caucus process, the other half through the statewide primary. The Democrats are selecting ALL their delegates through the caucuses, making their primary a time-wasting and expensive beauty contest.

From The Green Papers:

Washington has 40 delegates.

3 party leaders, the National Committeeman, the National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Washington's Republican Party, will attend the convention as unpledged delegates by virtue of their position.

37 (27 district and 10 at-large) delegates are elected by the Primary and the Caucuses.

51% (37 × 0.51 = 18.87, round to 19) of these delegates are elected by Primary.

49% (37 × 0.49 = 18.13, round to 18) of these delegates are elected by Caucus.

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

Saturday 9 February 2008: Precinct Caucuses.

Republican Party Caucuses meet in each precinct. Participants are required to sign a form stating they are Republicans (as voters do not have to declare political party membership to vote in the state's regular primaries or general elections). Each Precinct Caucus chooses the precinct's delegates to the County Convention. The County Conventions will, in turn, choose delegates to the State Convention. There is no formal system applied in the Precinct Caucuses to relate the presidential preference of the Caucus participants to the choice of the precinct's delegates. The participants at each Precinct Caucus alone determine if presidential preference is to be a factor in such choice and, if so, how it is to be applied.

The Caucuses initiate the process of electing 18 (49% of 37) of the National Convention delegates. These delegates will attend the Republican National Convention officially "Unpledged".

Tuesday 19 February 2008: Primary.

19 (1 from each of the 9 Congressional Districts and 10 at-large) of Washington's delegates to the Republican National Convention are allocated to presidential contenders based on the results of voting in today's Washington Presidential Primary. Voters are required to sign a form stating they are Republicans (as voters do not have to declare political party membership to vote in the state's regular primaries or general elections).

9 district delegates are to be allocated to presidential contenders based on the primary results in each of the 9 congressional districts: each congressional district is assigned 1 National Convention delegate and the presidential contender receiving the greatest number of votes in that district will receive that district's National Convention delegate.

10 delegates are to be allocated proportionally to presidential contenders based on the primary vote statewide. A 20 percent threshold is required in order for a presidential contender to be allocated National Convention delegates at the statewide level.

Saturday 22 March - Saturday 3 May 2008 (tentative date): Republican Party County Conventions convene in each county. Each County Convention chooses delegates to both the Congressional District Conventions and the State Convention.

County Conventions choose both the county's delegates to the Republican Party Convention of the Congressional District the county is a part of as well as the county's delegates to the Washington State Republican Convention. Again, there is no formal system applied in the County Convention to relate the presidential preference of the County Convention delegates to the choice of the county's delegates to either the Republican Convention of the Congressional District in which the county is located or the Washington State Republican Convention; each County Convention alone determine if presidential preference is to be a factor and, if so, how it is to be applied.

Once more, there is no formal system governing how the District Convention is to go about indicating its presidential preference to the State Convention. It is the delegates in attendance at the Congressional District Convention alone who decide how best to go about this.

Friday 30 May - Saturday 31 May 2008: The State Convention convenes.

There is no formal system applied in the State Convention to relate the presidential preference of the Caucus participants to the choice of the National Convention delegates. The participants at the State Convention alone determine if presidential preference is to be a factor in such choice and, if so, how it is to be applied.

The State convention elects 18 delegates. These delegates will attend the Republican National Convention officially "Unpledged".

3 party leaders, the National Committeeman, the National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Washington's Republican Party, will attend the convention as unpledged delegates by virtue of their position.

Whitman County Republican Caucus Loctions (with contact name and phone number):

ALL CAUCUSES TO BE HELD SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AT 1:00 PM

Check your voter registration card or call the Whitman County Auditor’s Office at (509) 397-6270 to verify your precinct before caucus day.

Tekoa #101
Farmington #103

127 S. Leslie
Tekoa 99033
Bunny Bippes & Wendy Sienknecht
509-284-3171

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

Garfield #104

1008 Spokane St., Garfield
Susan Love
509-635-1250

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

Oakesdale #102
Palouse #106
Palouse #107
Malden #150
Rosalia #151
Thornton #152

Oakesdale Fire Station #10
108 N. 1st. St.
Oakesdale
John Goyke
509-285-5333

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

Colton #108
Uniontown #109

Colton School Library
706 Union Street
Colton
Eric Bean
509-229-3779

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

Pullman #110
Pullman #111
Pullman #112
Pullman #113
Pullman #114
Pullman #115
Pullman #116
Pullman #117
Pullman #118
Pullman #119
Pullman #120
Pullman #121
Pullman #123
Pullman #124
Pullman #125
Pullman #126
Pullman #127
Pullman #128
Pullman #129
Pullman #130
Pullman #131
Pullman #132
Pullman #133
Pullman #134
Pullman #234
Pullman #235

Franklin Elementary School Cafeteria
850 SE Klemgard
Pullman
Susan Fagan
509-332-1702

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

Pullman #122

345 N.W. Linda
Pullman
Ron Wachter
509-334-2591

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

Steptoe #104
Colfax #136
Wilcox #138
Colfax #139
Colfax #140
Colfax #141
Colfax #142

Sterling Savings Bank
803 N. Main St.
Colfax 99111
Michael Largent
509-397-3205

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

Colfax #137

Lustig Residence
4202 Ed Hamilton Road,
Endicott, 99125
Vangee Harrison
509-397-3353

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

#143 Dusty
#144 Hay
#145 Hooper
#146 LaCrosse

LaCrosse City Hall
LaCrosse
Harmon Smith
509-549-3368

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

Endicott #147

401 D Street
Endicott, 99125
Greg Burns
509-657-3640

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

#148 Lamont
#149 St. John

4 West Short St.
St. John, 99171
Steve Naught
509-648-4091

Whitman County Republican Caucus Locations

All precinct caucus statewide will start at 1 p.m., so be about a half hour early so you can get signed in.

Tekoa #101
Farmington #103

127 S. Leslie
Tekoa 99033
Bunny Bippes & Wendy Sienknecht
509-284-3171

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

Garfield #104

1008 Spokane St., Garfield
Susan Love
509-635-1250

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

Oakesdale #102
Palouse #106
Palouse #107
Malden #150
Rosalia #151
Thornton #152

Oakesdale Fire Station #10
108 N. 1st. St.
Oakesdale
John Goyke
509-285-5333

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

Colton #108
Uniontown #109

Colton School Library
706 Union Street
Colton
Eric Bean
509-229-3779

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

Pullman #110
Pullman #111
Pullman #112
Pullman #113
Pullman #114
Pullman #115
Pullman #116
Pullman #117
Pullman #118
Pullman #119
Pullman #120
Pullman #121
Pullman #123
Pullman #124
Pullman #125
Pullman #126
Pullman #127
Pullman #128
Pullman #129
Pullman #130
Pullman #131
Pullman #132
Pullman #133
Pullman #134
Pullman #234
Pullman #235

Franklin Elementary School
Cafeteria
850 SE Klemgard
Pullman
Susan Fagan
509-332-1702

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

Pullman #122

345 N.W. Linda
Pullman
Ron Wachter
509-334-2591

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

Steptoe #104
Colfax #136
Wilcox #138
Colfax #139
Colfax #140
Colfax #141
Colfax #142

Sterling Savings Bank
803 N. Main St.
Colfax
99111
Michael Largent
509-397-3205

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

Colfax #137

Lustig Residence
4202 Ed Hamilton Road,
Endicott, 99125
Vangee Harrison
509-397-3353

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

#143 Dusty
#144 Hay
#145 Hooper
#146 LaCrosse

LaCrosse City Hall
LaCrosse
Harmon Smith
509-549-3368

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

Endicott #147

401 D Street
Endicott, 99125
Greg Burns
509-657-3640

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

#148 Lamont
#149 St. John

4 West Short St.
St. John, 99171
Steve Naught
509-648-4091

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"Washington lawmakers bring back 1-percent cap; Whitman County officials hope Legislature revisits issue during upcoming session"

I missed this before as I was in Mexico when it happened.

The restoration of the 1% property tax cap established by I-747 during a special legislative session last month was a huge victory for the Washington State Republican Party and a huge loss for the Democrats. Even though the GOP is crippled with a historic low number of seats in Olympia, the specter of Dino Rossi winning the 2008 gubernatorial race and sweeping in more Republicans in the House and Senate with his coattails sent the Rats running away from their left-wing environmentalist/big labor special interest base and towards the taxpaying citizens of Washington. Thank God we still have a two-party system in this state.

From the November 30 edition of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

Whitman County officials aren't surprised the Washington Legislature reinstated a 1-percent cap on annual property tax increases during a one-day special legislative session.

Gov. Chris Gregoire called for Thursday's special session in Olympia after the Washington Supreme Court ruled Initiative 747 and its 1-percent cap unconstitutional earlier this month.

Whitman County Commissioner Greg Partch said the cap makes it difficult for cities and counties to operate. He hopes the Legislature re-examines the cap when it convenes Jan. 14 and takes the interests of small taxing districts into account.

"I am really hoping during the session they really sit down and take a look at the effects," Partch said. "I think they will realize a lot of people are hurting - 1 percent does not cover it. (Olympia) does not live under a 1-percent cap, but they expect us to. I think it is rather interesting that they lift their caps and do what they want and then they expect local government to bear the brunt."

Whitman County and three nonprofit organizations challenged the constitutionality of I-747 in King County Superior Court in January 2005, claiming the voters were misled by the Voters' Pamphlet. The trial court ruled in favor of the challengers and the Supreme Court upheld the ruling, finding voters were deceived by the initiative and that the Voters' Pamphlet was ambiguous as to whether the effect of I-747 would generally lower the property tax levy limit by 1 percent or by 5 percent.

The ruling meant city and county governments and taxing districts could revert to the - percent limit that was in place before voters approved Initiative 747 in 2001.

Gregoire praised lawmakers for approving the cap and a second property tax relief bill, and said the measures would help soothe Washingtonians' worries about soaring tax bills.

"All of those legislators recognized the literal fear that is out there with regard to property taxes," she said.

Lawmakers were in session for less than 12 hours Thursday, rushing through a pair of bills that minority Republicans sometimes jeered. In the end, the Democrats' robust majorities and the politically touchy nature of tax votes ensured both measures would pass.

The main bill approved Thursday reinstates a 1-percent cap on annual property tax increases, which voters endorsed in 2001 under I-747.

Also enacted was a tax deferral program for people making less than the state's median income, presently about $57,000.

Both measures take effect immediately.

A handful of majority Democrats voted against the property tax cap in both chambers, saying a limit below the rate of inflation hurts local governments that are being squeezed to provide services.

The tax cap bill was "based on a flawed law that never should have been approved by the voters in the first place," said Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle.

Minority Republicans in both chambers seemed generally happy to vote for the tax cap, although some of them - along with GOP governor candidate Dino Rossi and anti-tax activist Tim Eyman - said the measure didn't go far enough.

The 1 percent cap under I-747 "has dampened tax increases. It hasn't stopped them," said Sen. Mike Carrel, R-Lakewood.

Thursday's vote in favor of the property tax cap bill was 86-8 in the House, and 39-9 in the Senate. In both cases, Democrats cast the only "no" votes.

The court ruling on I-747, which came just days after voters displayed a penny-pinching mood in the statewide election, prompted Gregoire to call the special session.

The initiative was sponsored by one of the Olympia establishment's biggest antagonists, anti-tax activist Eyman. It capped annual increases of certain property tax collections at 1 percent, unless voters approved a higher levy.

The property tax cap doesn't stop a homeowner's tax bill from increasing more than 1 percent per year.

Each taxing district affected by the cap can get its 1-percent increase. Some taxes, such as new construction and school levies, also aren't subject to the cap.

The state Department of Revenue estimates the average homeowner's property tax bill has climbed 5 percent per year in recent history.

Eyman criticized lawmakers just after the session got under way Thursday morning, saying Democrats weren't going far enough to limit property taxes.

About $100 million in old, unused taxing capacity - which Eyman unsuccessfully tried to wipe out with an earlier initiative - also should be repealed, he said.

"Gregoire and the Democrats don't care about the taxpayers. They're pretending to care about taxpayers," Eyman said.

Rossi and Republican lawmakers echoed that criticism.

Democratic leaders largely dismissed their complaints, but some said the issue could be part of a deeper look at property taxes expected once the Legislature returns in January.

Democrats, however, already appeared split on just what those reforms would look like.

House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, said the 1-percent cap would be a closed issue after the special session. But Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, didn't rule out more changes.

"When we come into a new legislative session, all the property tax proposals will be on the table," Brown said.

Thursday's second bill, the tax deferral program for lower-income homeowners, was modeled after an existing plan for seniors and the disabled.

It would allow homeowners making less than the median state income to put off paying as much as half of their yearly property tax bill until their home is sold.

State dollars would replace what local governments normally would get, and the state would get repaid with interest when the property changes hands. There are some conditions for participating in the program.

Some Democrats and activists on the political left have been unhappy with the entire special session, saying it amounts to a politically calculated cave-in that gives a victory to anti-tax forces.

At a committee hearing earlier Thursday, Washington State Council of Fire Fighters spokesman Bud Sizemore said the 1 percent limit hurts local government.

"The business world wouldn't live with this, and I don't think that we should," Sizemore said.

QUICKREAD

IN AND OUT: Washington state legislators met in an unusual one-day mini-session Thursday to adopt two property tax relief measures. They convened at 8 a.m. and wrapped up less than 12 hours later despite political skirmishing.

747 FLIES AGAIN: Washington lawmakers reauthorized a 1-percent annual growth limit for property taxes. It was a reaction to the state Supreme Court throwing out similar provisions of Initiative 747 on technical grounds. House Bill 2416 was quite popular, passing 86-8 in the House and 39-9 in the Senate.

DEFERRAL TIME: Less popular was a voluntary program to let some property owners defer paying as much as half of their annual tax bill, to be repaid with interest at the time of sale. The Senate vote on Senate Bill 6178 was 27-21; the House vote was 55-39.

JUST A BEGINNING: House and Senate leaders say the broader issue of property tax equity and the needs of local government will be aired at the upcoming regular session.

GOVERNOR'S ROLE: Gov. Chris Gregoire, a Democrat locked in a potentially tough bid for re-election, called the special session and happily signed the bills Thursday night.

Going (for the) Green

If you think all the global warming nitwittery has been limited to Stockholm and Bali lately, read on.

A December 6 Seattle Times story detailed some possible legislation concerning global warming in Washington, such as:

Seattle leaders have been talking to lawmakers about a bill that would impose an added fee for license tabs that would be scaled based on fuel efficiency. Gas-hogging SUVs would pay more; hybrids and electric cars would pay less.

While the actual fee amount would be up to the Legislature, Ceis said a reasonable average would be $100, with gas guzzlers possibly going as high as $300.

Of course, people with families like myself drive those "gas guzzler" SUVs and minivans. As the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers stated, "It's really nothing more than an added tax on families and small-business owners who need larger vehicles."

And if you thought the Department of Ecology had killed business in Washington border counties with their ridiculous stormwater requirements, wait until this is implemented:

Meanwhile, the state is already preparing to order cities and counties to study what effects new projects, such as office buildings, will have on the climate. State environmental law probably already requires it, though it hasn't been done in the past, said Jay Manning, head of the state Department of Ecology.

As for environmentalists, one of the top priorities for this year will be trying to change state land-use laws so communities have to factor in climate change as they plan for growth.

They, along with the Ecology Department, also would like to start an accounting system for larger companies or governments to track their greenhouse-gas emissions. That would help set the stage for future regulations aimed at cutting the gases.

God help us.

Dino Rossi December Campaign Update

Here's the latest from Dino Rossi:

Dear Friends –

Before I update you on the campaign, I would like to start with a few words about the floods that have devastated communities in Western Washington. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been impacted by this natural disaster. I encourage everyone to help the flood victims by donating money and/or goods.

· Red Cross, call 1-800-RED-Cross or visit http://www.rainier-redcross.org/
· Salvation Army, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or visit http://www.salvationarmynw.org/

A small donation can make a big difference to families who have lost everything this holiday season.

Campaign Update

Since publicly kicking off my campaign on October 25th, we have been overwhelmed by the support and response we have received from all over our state. It is clear that people are tired of business as usual in Olympia and are ready for new leadership. We have had an unbelievable month on the campaign trail and I want to share with you some of the highlights.

I am excited to report that as of the end of November, our campaign has raised over $1.1 million! Here are some fun facts you should know:

· More than 7,000 people have given to our campaign;
· Over 39% of our contributors are brand new donors;
· We received over $78,500 in online contributions;
· In our last campaign, it took us until late February of 2004 to raise as much as we have already collected for this campaign.

Over 1000 people have already signed up on our website as volunteers.

We’re well on our way to catching up with the incumbent's campaign cash on hand totals, but she’s had a 3-year head start on us. If you can, please contribute through our website by clicking here. Thank you.

More Good News

Christine Gregoire’s strategy is to attack my character. Her agents filed a Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) complaint against me in June claiming that I was already a candidate for Governor and thus should be subject to public disclosure requirements. The PDC conducted a long and expensive investigation and last week ruled to dismiss these baseless charges. In a letter, the PDC staff confirmed that we had been telling the truth the entire time. Christine Gregoire’s agents were spreading lies and launching personal attacks, all in a failed attempt to smear me. They will say and do anything to cling to power in Olympia.

We also had a victory when Christine Gregoire caved to political pressure and held a special session to reinstate I-747. It wasn’t until after I called for a 1 percent cap and a special session that the incumbent suddenly decided she should “support the will of the people.” Unfortunately, she only got half the job done by not repealing banked capacity, which means taxing districts can still raise property taxes above 1 percent without a vote of the people. I will continue to lead on this issue and ensure that property tax increases are held to a true one-percent cap.

From neglect of our state ferries, to dangers in the child care system, to the hand-picked leader of an open government committee defying the state’s new reporter-shield law, every day, we see stories that illustrate the incompetence and failures of the Governor’s administration. She has been in state government for 38 years. She has run out of new ideas. It is time for fresh leadership…and people feel this all across the state.

Issues

We’ve recently launched two new pages on our website. Visit our issues page to learn more about my position on important topics such as education, transportation, public safety and fiscal responsibility. The Case for Change documents Gregoire’s long list of broken promises.

Get Involved

The incumbent is on the defensive, vulnerable and clearly worried by our continued strength. All polls show us in a statistical dead heat with Gregoire, and the incumbent has yet to poll above 50 percent.

But we need your help to keep this energy going. Will you go to our website to volunteer? Thank you to all who have and please encourage your friends to sign-up as well.

This campaign is a people’s movement, and together we will bring change to Olympia.

- Dino Rossi

"Water dominates Pullman meeting of public officials; Council, legislators discuss effects on growth"

We have an excellent legislative team for Pullman. They all understand that environmental regulatory overkill causes the lack of affordable housing for working people and stifles economic development in Pullman. From today's Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

Water issues dominated much of the discussion in a town hall meeting between the Pullman City Council and Washington's 9th District legislators Tuesday.

Council members were joined by Sen. Mark Schoesler, Rep. Steve Hailey and new Rep. Joe Schmick to discuss state issues of concern to Pullman leaders. Other topics of conversation included funding for infrastructure, support for Washington State University projects and affordable housing.

Hailey said the solution to many of the concerns relates to water.

"It's a very high priority for me," he said. "If you run out of water, you've got nothing."

Hailey said water issues often slow the construction of new homes - especially those considered affordable housing. Water rights and environmental studies are expensive, and questions regarding recharge of the Palouse's two aquifers are seen as a roadblock by some developers.

He said research efforts must be increased to determine how to maintain water levels and support growth.

Legislators will convene for their 2008 session Jan. 14. Much of the agenda will revolve around the state's supplemental budget, but Hailey said he plans to push the need for more water research in the coming months.

"You have to have sufficient water to support more housing," he said. "I see that as a hurdle that has to be crossed in relatively short order ... In my mind, if we can solve the water issue, we can tackle the affordable housing issue."

Hailey also said a multimillion dollar water reclamation project - a joint effort between the city and WSU - could be funded in 2009-2011. The project would treat citywide wastewater for irritation.

"It's very doable," he said.

Schmick said he plans to defend the city's needs for funding in order to meet what he considers obscenely high requirements pertaining to stormwater management.

Earlier this year, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued statewide permits designed to manage the quality and quantity of runoff from development and to control stormwater discharges into sewer systems. Implementation of the requirements are expected to cost more than $4 million for Pullman. The city has received a grant for $75,000 and may be issued an additional $50,000 to jump-start the five-year permit program.

"There has to be a balance between environmental concerns and those of the cities and towns," Schmick said. "Our side of the aisle is very sympathetic to that."

Hailey agreed that the Department of Ecology has set unrealistically high standards for cities like Pullman.

"We'll try to get you some relief," he said. "I don't know what the answer is, but we'll keep pecking away at it."

Schmick, who was recently appointed to his position, said the meeting with Pullman leaders was helpful.

"We're here to represent the 9th District," he said. "We take this information back to Olympia."

QUICKREAD

WHAT HAPPENED: The Pullman City Council met with Washington's 9th District legislators Sen. Mark Schoesler, Rep. Steve Hailey and Rep. Joe Schmick for a meeting Tuesday. Water issues dominated much of the conversation which also inlcuded affordable housing and Washington State Department of Ecology requirements.

WHAT IT MEANS: Legislators and the council agree that water is a major issue of concern in Pullman and Whitman County.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Legislators will convene for their 2008 session Jan. 14 in Olympia. Schoesler, Hailey and Schmick said they will pass along their constituents' concerns to other state leaders.

"Schmick tabbed to replace Buri; Colfax farmer is top choice to take over 9th District legislative seat"

I was glad Joe stopped by my office to chat last Friday. I hadn't had a chance to congratulate him or catch up on what has been happening in Olympia because I had been in Mexico the previous week.

Joe is not allowed to campaign 30 days before or 30 days after the legislative session. That puts tremendous fundraising restrictions on him that a potential Democratic opponent next year will not face. As former Rep. Don Cox stated at the 9th District PCO meeting, for that reason, the Democrats may see this as an opportunity to pick up their first seat in the 9th District in over 70 odd years. JOE NEEDS YOUR HELP NOW!! I hope you will join me in sending a contribution POSTMARKED BY THIS FRIDAY to:

People for Joe Schmick
830 E Southview Ave
Colfax, WA 99111

From the November 27 edition of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News:

Washington's 9th District will have a new face in Olympia.

Colfax farmer Joe Schmick was selected Monday by 11 of 18 commissioners from Whitman, Garfield, Adams, Franklin, Asotin and Spokane counties to fill out the remainder of David Buri's term in the Legislature.

Buri resigned from the Legislature earlier this month to become director of government relations at Eastern Washington University. Buri was elected in 2004 and had one year left in his second two-year term. Schmick will serve out the final year of the term.

Schmick was chosen over Palouse Mayor Michael Echanove and LaCrosse farmer and teacher Tedd Nealy. Echanove received support from six commissioners, while Nealy received one vote.

Schmick, 50, has been farming in the area for nearly 30 years and operates a vending machine business, in addition to serving on the Washington Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He unsuccessfully ran in 2006 for the 9th District's seat held by Steve Hailey.

Schmick said he is ready to head to Olympia and serve the district.

"I am certainly honored by this appointment," Schmick said. "I know it is a full-time job. I realize what I just buried myself in. I will work hard."

Schmick told the commissioners he wanted to do something about the declining state of many of the district's small towns.

"The reason I am seeking the position is simple," he said. "I have lived here all my life and in the last 15 years I have seen a real decline in the communities. We have to right the ship and go the other way.

"If we continue down the road we are going there is a train wreck coming."

Schmick said Washington and the district will be facing several tough issues. Atop his list is addressing the state's slow business growth caused by high health-care costs and taxes.

"We have to do better," he said. "We are going to have to address this or we will continue to see businesses go elsewhere. I am tired of watching businesses trudge across the border into Idaho."

One of Schmick's first orders of business in the Legislature will be attending a one-day special session called by Gov. Chris Gregoire to deal with Initiative 747, which caps property tax increases at 1 percent. Schmick indicated he would support I-747 even though Whitman County voters voted against the initiative in 2001 and officials from the county led a battle against it to the state supreme court.

"I am in favor of any protection we can give the taxpayer," Schmick said, noting that five of the district's six counties voted for the initiative.

Schmick said he wants to hear from the constituents he represents.

"When I screw up I want to hear about it," Schmick said. "If I am on the wrong side of something I need to know about it. I will do my best to represent the 9th District."

Whitman County Commissioner Greg Partch said all the candidates were qualified for the job.

"We couldn't have gone wrong with any of these candidates," Partch said. "I am happy with the choice."

BREAKING NEWS: Schmick tabbed to replace Buri as 9th District representative

I'm glad the commissioners from the six counties in the 9th District voted to uphold the Republican Party's #1 choice. Plus, Joe deserved it. In the last two contested Republican primaries for State Representative, only two people have outpolled Joe: Rep. Steve Hailey and former Rep. David Buri. He was the logical choice.

Joe is a personal friend that I strongly supported in the race last year; a true conservative that will do a great job representing us over in Olympia. I'm very happy for him! Also, congratulations to Michael Echanove. He would have been an equally good choice. With what he brings to the table, I'm sure Michael will serve in higher office eventually.

From the Moscow-Pullman Daily News website:

Commissioners from Whitman, Garfield, Adams, Franklin, Asotin, and Spokane counties on Monday selected Colfax farmer Joe Schmick to fill out the remaining year of David Buri's term as Washington 9th District representative.

Buri resigned from the Legislature earlier this month to become director of government relations at Eastern Washington University. Buri was elected in 2004 and had one year left in his second two-year term.

Schmick, 50, was chosen from a pool of candidates that also included Palouse Mayor Michael Echanove and LaCrosse farmer and teacher Tedd Nealy.

Schmick has been farming in the area for nearly 30 years and operates a vending machine business, in addition to serving on the Washington Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

He unsuccessfully ran in 2006 for the 9th District's seat held by Rep. Steve Hailey.

Queen Calls Special Session to Save Her Throne

Last year, a King County Superior Court judge struck down I-747 as being unconstitutional. I-747 was the ballot measure passed on 2001 that limited property tax increases to 1% a year without voter approval. One of the plaintiffs in that lawsuit was Whitman County.

Legal technicalities notwithstanding, it is clear what the intent of 58% of Washington voters was when they passed I-747. The Democratic supermajority in Olympia was urged last session to take action and restore the 1% property cap via legislation. The Rats punted, saying the Washington Supreme Court would reverse the decision. The Supreme Court, by a 5-4 margin, upheld the lower court decision last month. Oops. Bad timing for Queen Christine and the Dems, what with Dino Rossi throwing his hat into the 2008 gubernatorial race and recent polls showing the election a virtual dead heat. The recent passage of I-960 by voters shows, that despite numerous obituaries being written by the left, the taxpayer revolt in Washington is alive and well. Allowing a big tax increase to go forward is political hemlock for the Rats. And they only have themselves to blame. Earlier this year, they passed the largest spending increase in Washington history.

Now Queen Christine has called a special session of the legislature to restore the 1% property tax cap. As usual, she is demonstrating the cowardly, waffling, blow with the wind, lead from behind approach to governing she showed with the Alaskan Way Viaduct. As the Seattle Times story reported:

"I'm glad she has called the special session because we need to protect the will of the voters," Rossi said in a statement. "But I have a feeling she only took this step out of political expediency, not concern for the taxpayers."

But who cares as long as the 1% property tax cap gets restored.

Predictably, the "progressive" moonbats are howling, for example, here, here, and here.

And from the "strange political bedfellows" department, so are the Whitman County Commissioners. According to the Moscow-Pullman Daily News website:

Whitman County Commissioner Greg Partch said the 1 percent cap makes it difficult for smaller taxing districts to operate and the move to reinstate the initiative is based on politics alone. For Whitman County, 1 percent only amounts to $37,000 a year in tax revenue.

Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson and City Supervisor John Sherman have applauded the overturn of I-747 and the Daily News editors opined last week that:

Bottom line, the control of property taxes was returned to the local governments where it belongs - but not before some budgetary belt-tightening.

Capping tax increases made it difficult to provide some services.

If Pullman or Colfax needs a 3-percent increase in property taxes to provide the services local residents demand, then those city councils should have the power to do so.

Local voters are an excellent barometer - through the ballot box - of how well those elected officials budget tax dollars. That power should not be in the hands of west side voters who think they can dictate - through the initiative process - how much tax is too much for people in Whitman County.

No one likes to raise taxes and responsible local government is no exception. But the need to increase taxes is necessary from time to time and is best done at the local level by those who know just how precious each penny is.

I sympathize with our local governments. But the reforms in Olympia need to be regulatory, not to the tax code. What would help Pullman and Whitman County more are drastic changes to the State Environmental Policy Act and the Department of Ecology. Wal-Mart would be in Pullman now, contributing over a million dollars a year to the tax base if not for the long, drawn out SEPA appeal process. The Pullman City Council must take some of the blame for this by mandating that SEPA appeals go through the superior court, which is why we have this latest delay of over a year in the appellate court. In most Washington towns, SEPA appeals are heard by the city council. In Whitman County, the Hawkins Companies development in the Pullman-Moscow corridor would be contributing $3 million plus to the tax coffers if not for the meddling by the Deprtment of Ecology. And let's not even get started on Ecology's business-killing stormwater requirements.

All this environmentalist nitwittery from Olympia cannot, and should not, be balanced on the backs of home owners. Housing in Whitman County is already among the least affordable in the state. Can you imagine how much more unaffordable housing would be with annual 4% property tax increases?

And its not just Whitman County. A recent WSU Center for Real Estate Research study concluded that the Growth Management Act has increased the cost of homes in Washington. The voters of this state spoke in 2001. Enough is enough. If cities and counties have a hard time making ends meet, then its time to clear away the dead wood of bureaucratic regulations, not reach deeper into taxpayer's wallets.

Queen Christine's First Term Report Card

As graded by Dino Rossi:

At the end of each school term, my kids come home with their report cards ready for me and my wife to see just how they're progressing in each of their school subjects. These report cards got me thinking... what if we were to grade Christine Gregoire on what she's done since taking office?

In looking at the issues, I think you'll agree... she'd receive straight Fs for her failed policies. Christine Gregoire's policies have produced an alarming string of failures- and the effects are felt by all Washingtonians. These failures include:

Failure to get serious about providing property tax relief to hard-working homeowners.

Failure to address traffic congestion - something the 9.5 cent gas tax increase was supposed to improve.

Failure to practice fiscal discipline - spending has increased 32% ($8.2 billion) under Gregoire!

Failure to cut taxes- in fact Gregoire has raised taxes by $500 million (including a death tax).

Failure to reform our educational system. Washington's kids aren't properly prepared to compete in a competitive global economy.

Failure to keep our neighborhoods safe. Our state has granted early releases to more than 3,000 dangerous felons per year since Gregoire took office.

The bottom line is that Christine Gregoire has failed to set the right priorities for Washingtonians and their families and we need new leadership in Olympia. She has broken too many campaign promises and I'm here to say enough is enough!

Will you join my campaign today in sending a message to the entrenched liberal special interests and Christine Gregoire by making an immediate donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more? I am leading a campaign for change that says, "We can definitely do better!" I need your support today to communicate with voters across our state in our campaign for change.

Washingtonians statewide are clearly excited about our campaign. In just a few short weeks, we've raised well over a half a million dollars. This money is a tremendous start, but is small compared to the millions of dollars the entrenched special interest groups will spend to keep Gregoire and her failed policies in office.

That's why it is so important that we keep our fundraising momentum going. And this is why it is so important you follow this link today to make a contribution showing your support for change!

Like any parent, if my kids came home with straight Fs on their report card, my wife and I would tell them a big change is needed. Christine Gregoire's failures are no different. Change in our state is needed and that's why I'm running for governor. Please follow this link to make a donation of whatever you can afford today to help me spread this message.

Thank you,

Dino Rossi

P.S. Washingtonians deserve more than a governor who has failed them- we deserve better and I hope you will join me today in saying, we can definitely do better! Our campaign for change has been met with tremendous support- and I'm asking you to help us continue this momentum by making a contribution of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more right away by following this link. Thanks for your support!

"Republicans narrow down District 9 choices; Several county commissioners will pick replacement Nov. 26"

I had a chance to chat some yesterday with Dean Ferguson, the political reporter for the Lewiston Tribune. Nice guy, and pretty funny. His article in today's Tribune is a very accurate account of what happened.

COLFAX - Republicans from six eastern Washington counties spent a democratic Saturday morning choosing three finalists for the open 9th Legislative District seat.

Former Rep. David Buri, R-Colfax, made the rare gathering in downtown Colfax necessary when he resigned Nov. 1 to take a job at Eastern Washington University.

The 49 precinct captains chose three men: Palouse Mayor Michael Echanove, Colfax farmer Joe Schmick and LaCrosse farmer and teacher Tedd Nealy. County commissioners from Garfield, Adams, Franklin, Asotin, Whitman and Spokane counties will choose one Nov. 26.

Washington State Republican Party Chairman Luke Esser oversaw what amounted to three elections. Next week he'll lead Legislative District 18 in the same process to replace Rep. Richard Curtis, R-La Center, who resigned Nov. 1 after a sex scandal.

The Colfax gathering was the culmination of two to three weeks of campaigning.

"Everybody sent e-mails, some personal calls and mailings," Asotin County Republican Party Chairwoman Alice White said.

In a district that sprawls across a huge chunk of eastern Washington, the candidates had their work cut out introducing themselves.

It mattered.

In White's case, she was glad Schmick and Nealy won, having known them from previous elections. But White didn't know much about Echanove and voted against him based on his speaking style, she said.

The meeting ran smoothly and partisan humor kept the mood light.

During one of several rounds of paper ballot voting, Esser asked White why it was taking so long to hand out ballots.

"I missed a whole row and I want them to vote twice," White quipped.

"Well, Alice, you're a Republican, not a Democrat," Esser jokingly replied.

Retired Rep. Don Cox, R-Colfax, took a few minutes to remind the crowd the day's long-range implications.

Washington's Democratic leaders are probably trying to recruit a top-tier candidate to exploit the weak position of a new legislator who cannot legally campaign or raise money 30 days before or 30 days after the legislative session that starts Jan. 14, Cox said.

"A potential opponent can be raising money and they can't," Cox warned.

If Democrats find a good candidate, they'll send money and activists to the district, he said. So, the Republicans need to embrace whoever wins.

"If they're not your three people, do get over it quickly because there's a lot worse people to have than anybody on this list," Cox said.

The three finalists have experience with area politics.

Echanove, 49, lost a bid for Buri's seat in 2004. As Palouse mayor since 2001, he touted his revitalized town and his work with statewide groups such as the Washington Association of Cities. He is a Washington State University systems programmer.

Echanove, who also owns a restaurant, said he knows it's tough for small businesses.

"I live and breathe economic development," Echanove said.

Nealy, a 60-year-old LaCrosse farmer, lost to Rep. Steve Hailey in 2006.

As chairman of the Whitman County Planning, Nealy said he knows how to handle government agencies. As a teacher, he understands challenges such as dealing with gang members and non-English speakers, and he said he can reach out to Democrats.

"I am able and willing to work with the majority," Nealy said.

Schmick, 50, who also lost to Hailey in 2006, railed against increased state spending and new taxes. As a farmer and owner of a vending machine business, he said he understands fiscal responsibility. Schmick said the state needs to protect property owners from eminent domain laws.

"The Kelo decision opened a whole new can of worms," Schmick said, referring to a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision that angered property rights advocates.

The three candidates who didn't make the final cut included WSU Veterinary School worker Darin Watkins, WSU Finance Director Jeff Phelps and Cheney Mayor Allan Gainer.

Pictures from the Joint 9th Legislative District PCO Meeting Today

Me with Washington State Republican Party Chairman Luke Esser


The big winner today, Joe Schmick of Colfax.


#2 Candidate Tedd Nealey


A very happy Michael Echanove. I was so glad for Michael (even though his last name kept getting butchered.) He truly deserves to be among the final three. I voted for him on every ballot after Joe was selected.


Former 9th District State Representative Don Cox (right) speaking with Luke Esser.





Some shots of the crowd. You can see my laptop in the first shot. I was sitting beside Whitman County Auditor Eunice Coker (third row back in the red jacket.) The PCOs all sat together, with guests and non-PCO candidates off to the side. Between ballots, I would go to the back wall by the windows to chat and joke with Whitman County Commissioner Michael Largent.

I wished I had gotten a picture of Whitman County Gazette reporter Joe Smillie. Joe looked very natty sporting a houndstooth fedora. I told him all he needed was a press pass sticking out of the band.

We're Almost Done

The three candidates have been selected:

1. Joe Schmick
2. Tedd Nealey
3. Michael Echanove

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the results. My #1 was Joe, #2 was Michael and #3 was Darin.

Hopefully, now the county commissioners in our district will support the choice of the party and send Joe Schmick to Olympia.