Meet candidates in contested congressional, legislative races
July 17, 2012
The only local races contested in the Aug. 7 primary election include a U.S. House of Representatives election and a state House of Representatives election.
Ballots for August primary to reach voters soon
July 10, 2012
Ballots should start to arrive in King County voters’ mailboxes in the days ahead.
The summer primary — bumped up to Aug. 7 to accommodate military and overseas voters — allows local voters a chance to decide a property tax measure and cull the field in federal, judicial, legislative and statewide contests.
The electorate selects the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, in the all-mail primary election. The top vote recipients then advance to an all-mail general election Nov. 6.
In the 5th Legislative District, voters must narrow the field of Republican Chad Magendanz, Democrat David Spring and independent candidate Ryan Burkett in the race for a state House of Representatives seat.
Candidates receive boost from Municipal League of King County
July 10, 2012
Issaquah candidates for the Legislature received top marks from the Municipal League of King County, as the nonpartisan organization ranked candidates a little more than a month before the Aug. 7 primary.
The league ranks candidates through a rigorous process during each election cycle. The ratings provide a tool for voters — plus fodder for candidates’ campaign mailers and websites.
Evaluators scrutinize candidate records, check references, review candidate questionnaires and interview the electoral hopefuls. The league rates candidates on a set of criteria: involvement, character, effectiveness and knowledge.
Issaquah candidates receive boost in Municipal League rankings
July 2, 2012
NEW — 1 p.m. July 2, 2012
Issaquah candidates for the Legislature received top marks from the Municipal League of King County, as the nonpartisan organization ranked candidates a little more than a month before the Aug. 7 primary.
In the 5th Legislative District, state Senate candidate Mark Mullet and state House of Representatives candidate Chad Magendanz impressed Muni League evaluators.
Mullet, a Democrat and Issaquah City Council member, earned a very good rating from the group. The league ranked Mullet’s GOP opponent, Snoqualmie businessman Brad Toft, as good.
Magendanz, a Republican and Issaquah School Board member, received a coveted outstanding rating from the Muni League.
Local legislator Steve Litzow invites constituents to telephone ‘town hall’
June 6, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. June 6, 2012
Constituents can join state Sen. Steve Litzow for a telephone “town hall” meeting to discuss the recent legislative sessions.
The discussion is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. June 13 and last for 60 minutes. Litzow plans to take constituents’ questions and share views about the recent legislative sessions throughout the discussion.
Litzow represents the portion of Issaquah in the 41st Legislative District — Cougar Mountain and areas west of 12th Avenue Northwest. However, after the 2011 redistricting goes into effect after the November election, the district should encompass more of Issaquah.
Call the toll-free number at 1-877-229-8493 and enter the code 110085 at the prompt. Constituents can direct questions before and after the event to Litzow’s office via email at steve.litzow@leg.wa.gov, or by phone at 453-3076.
State Rep. Marcie Maxwell garners education honor
May 29, 2012
State Rep. Marcie Maxwell received the highest honor from the Washington Education Association — a Friend of Education award — for efforts to address critical issues facing public education and improve students’ lives.
Maxwell, a former Renton School Board member and a Renton Democrat, is a longtime advocate for improving the public education system in the Evergreen State. In the state House of Representatives, she led efforts to pass education funding reform bills.
Maxwell represents the 41st Legislative District — parts of Issaquah, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Renton and Sammamish.
In the House, she serves in a legislative leadership role as the deputy majority leader for education and opportunity, and as co-chairwoman of the Quality Education Council.
Maxwell faces a challenge from Republican Tim Eaves on the November ballot.
Campaign season starts as candidates file for election
May 22, 2012
The ballot voters receive in the mailbox by late July is all but certain to contain some familiar names, as elected officials campaign for higher offices and other candidates try another run for elected office.
The period for candidates to enter races up for election on the August and November ballots ended May 18 in a buzz of activity.
Local voters face choices in countywide, legislative, statewide and federal offices.
Voters pick the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, Aug. 7 in the all-mail primary election. The top vote recipients then advance to an all-mail general election Nov. 6.
Press Editorial
May 15, 2012
Ready to run for political office?
If you are interested in politics and want to make a difference at the state level, this is the week to take the next step. The deadline to file to run for the Washington State Legislature is May 18. From there, it’s full speed ahead to raise campaign funds, seek endorsements, doorbell the voters and recruit volunteers to put up yard signs for the next six months.
In Issaquah, there are two legislative districts — the 5th and 41st — with two House and one Senate seat per district. Of course, there are other state offices up for election in November, everything from governor to insurance commissioner, but the legislative seats are more local-centric.
If you come with a law enforcement background, the position of King County sheriff is seeking candidates. Or if you like real power, go for the 8th Congressional District seat, representing voters from Issaquah to Wenatchee.
All of these races need volunteers as much as they do candidates. Pick your favorite and lend a hand. It’s a great way to learn about the democratic process.
Prefer a closer-to-home run for City Council, mayor, school board or water commissioner? Start preparing, the 2013 campaign season will be here soon enough.
Supreme Court upholds state redistricting plan
May 8, 2012
The state Supreme Court has authorized use of the redrawn political boundaries for upcoming elections, even as a citizen challenge to the Washington State Redistricting Commission’s maps continues to proceed.
The bipartisan commission responsible for reshaping the districts spent 2011 redrawing legislative and congressional districts. State legislators then made minor modifications and the plan entered into effect Feb. 7.
Vancouver resident John Milem filed a challenge against the redistricting plan Feb. 8. The longtime redistricting observer contended the reshaped maps granted too much power to Western Washington counties.
Commissioners divided Issaquah between the 5th and 41st legislative districts to determine representation in Olympia, and kept the city in a reshaped 8th Congressional District for federal representation.
Issaquah legislators top list for missed votes
May 1, 2012
Local legislators missed the most votes in the Legislature during the 2012 regular and special sessions.
