Local Democrats prepare for caucuses, opportunity to shape party priorities
April 10, 2012
Caucusgoers could change state and, perhaps, national policies as Washington Democrats gather for caucuses April 15.
President Barack Obama is the standard bearer for the Democrats in November, but although the party is not in the midst of a nomination fight, caucusgoers can still influence local, state and national issues by shaping the Democratic Party platform. Caucusgoers can present resolutions on political issues for consideration at local, state and national party gatherings.
Republicans gather for grassroots caucuses
March 6, 2012
Mitt Romney emerges as top choice among local participants
Republicans clustered at community halls and elementary schools in Issaquah and nearby communities March 3, as a long presidential nominating contest offered local caucusgoers a chance to shape the national contest.
Issaquah caucusgoers headed to Discovery and Issaquah Valley elementary schools, and Colin Hall at Providence Point, to support the GOP candidates vying to face President Barack Obama in November.
From caucuses to convention, a path to nomination
March 6, 2012
Caucusgoers throughout Washington gathered March 3 in the initial step to select delegates to the Republican National Convention.
Democrats respond to state Republican caucuses
March 6, 2012
Local Democrats do not gather for caucuses until April 15, but the state party organization did not remain on the sidelines as Republicans chose Mitt Romney in a statewide straw poll March 3.
Washington State Democrats Chairman Dwight Pelz lambasted the GOP frontrunner and former Massachusetts governor hours after the caucuses ended.
“Washingtonians are looking for a leader who will focus on revitalizing the economy and creating jobs, but Mitt Romney and the rest of the GOP slate are too busy pandering to the extreme right wing of their party to focus on the issues that matter to Washington’s middle class families,” Pelz said in a statement.
Though President Barack Obama does not face a challenge for the nomination, Democrats plan to use the caucuses to elect delegates and alternates to legislative district caucuses and county conventions.
Mitt Romney receives stamp of approval from elected officials, too
March 6, 2012
Mitt Romney earned key endorsements from Republican elected leaders on the Eastside, including Kathy Lambert, the Issaquah representative on the King County Council, local state Sen. Steve Litzow and local state Rep. Jay Rodne before the caucuses.
U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, the Issaquah representative in Congress, endorsed Romney days before the caucuses.
Local former state Sen. Dino Rossi, a past candidate for governor and U.S. senator, is another Romney supporter.
Local Republicans gather for caucuses amid strong turnout
March 3, 2012
Terry LaBrue, a precinct committee officer and Issaquah political consultant, announces results for the Brookshire precinct Saturday at Discovery Elementary School. By Warren Kagarise
NEW — 3:15 p.m. March 3, 2012
Republicans clustered at community halls and elementary schools in Issaquah and nearby communities Saturday, as a long presidential nominating contest offered local caucusgoers a chance to shape the national contest.
State’s top elections official urges strong turnout for caucuses
March 1, 2012
NEW — 12:15 p.m. March 1, 2012
The top elections official in Washington, Secretary of State Sam Reed, urged a strong turnout in the upcoming presidential caucuses.
The caucuses start Saturday, as Republicans gather to choose a challenger — from a field of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul or former House Speaker Newt Gingrich — for President Barack Obama.
The local GOP set up caucus locations at numerous sites in Issaquah and the surrounding area.
Democrats plan to gather for caucuses April 15, though Obama does not face a challenge for the nomination.
“We have received a good deal of attention from the candidates and our state will have an impact on the course of the nominating season,” Reed said in a statement. “A large number of delegates will be at stake this spring in Washington, the second-largest state in the West. Our Republican caucuses are very early on the elections calendar, coming on the heels of Arizona and Michigan and just ahead of the Super Tuesday.”
Dave Reichert, Issaquah representative in Congress, endorses Mitt Romney
February 28, 2012
NEW — 9:45 a.m. Feb. 28, 2012
Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, a former King County sheriff and the Issaquah representative in Congress, endorsed GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney, campaign officials announced Tuesday morning.
Dave Reichert
The endorsement from Reichert came days before Washington Republicans gather at caucus sites statewide to select a presidential candidate to face President Barack Obama in November.
“Congressman Reichert has served his community with distinction and it is an honor to have his support,” Romney said in a statement. “I look forward to working with him and the rest of my growing Washington team so that we can defeat President Obama and bring jobs back to Washington state.”
Reichert cited the former Massachusetts governor’s business background as a reason for the endorsement.
Local Republicans gear up for caucuses, a chance to pick presidential nominee
February 7, 2012
Local Republicans could tilt the national contest to nominate a GOP challenger to President Barack Obama, as residents across Washington gather for caucuses early next month.
