We were working till late this morning to get comments from candidates in some of the most interesting elections this fall. So, pardon our belated distribution today.
I also want to say a big thank you to Pemco, who has stepped up again as a Major Sponsor of our 2020 Re-Wire Policy Conference coming up later this fall! We are super excited to be able to count them as part of our team. More on Re-Wire in the next few weeks as registration opens for our annual event.
Finally, be sure to scan #4. I think that’s a session you’ll want to sit in on, even if you don’t have a child in Seattle schools…
With help from Michael Goldberg
1. Economic uncertainty underpins state treasurer’s race
Reporter Michael Goldberg spoke with both candidates for state treasurer about their campaigns, their stances on managing debt, and their views on addressing the state’s budget issues via a special session. First-term State Treasurer Duane Davidson, one of two Republican statewide officeholders, is facing a challenge from state House member Mike Pellicciotti. Davidson is running on his track record from his first term, which includes moves to refinance existing debt and shoring up investment options for local governments. Pellicciotti wants to increase “financial transparency” and achieve equitable fiscal policy.
The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant economic downturn has reshaped the contest to lead the Office of the State Treasurer, which serves as something like the asset manager for state government.
2. Lt. Governor Candidate Debate: Video and Highlights
The Wire was honored to host a bipartisan, one-on-one debate between two candidates for Lt. Governor: Democratic State Senator Marko Liias and Republican Attorney Ann Davison Sattler. The two candidates responded to a range of questions regarding their plans for the Lt. Governorship and were given the opportunity to pose questions to each other.
We always appreciate the opportunity to host these civil, policy-focused conversations between candidates for public office. In case you missed it, the debate was recorded in its entirety and can be viewed on our youtube channel. The top-two blanket primary is on August 4th.
3. Republicans target 19th LD senate seat
Listening to political folks this time of year can be hard. Consultants and fundraisers have to spin up interest in order to generate buzz and support for their candidates. While the buzz and “momentum” can sometimes be more talk than real, Senate Republicans say the 19th LD is a legitimate pick-up opportunity in what is shaping up as a good year for Democrats.
In a rural district south of the Olympic Peninsula which runs from to Aberdeen to Longview, Democratic incumbent Sen. Dean Takko is attempting to hold off two Republican challengers in Wes Cormier and Jeff Wilson. Takko told the Wire that the budget would be top of mind in the near future, but that his role as Chair of the Local Government Committee has made him an ideal fit for a “fiercely independent” district. In an email to the Wire, Cormier contrasted himself with Takko by emphasizing his rural policy values. “One-size fits all legislation does not work. There is a great divide between Urban and Rural areas on taxes, rules and regulation.”
4. Virtual: Back to school with Seattle superintendent
On Wednesday July 29, 4:30 – 5:30 PM PST, the Wire is co-hosting a virtual conversation with City Year on what to expect as schools re-open this fall. The conversation will feature the Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, Denise Juneau. Juneau is at the center of one of the more complicated challenges in generations: getting kids educated safely during a pandemic, an economic recession, nationwide protests related to social justice, and a polarizing general election.
Juneau will be joined by Sofia Voz, National Director of Staff & Learning Practice, City Year, and Lesley Hernandez, City Year AmeriCorps Member and Team Leader, Concord International Elementary School. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required!
5. FEC totals heading into the August primary
In Washington’s 10th Congressional District Primary, FEC totals show that a clear top three has emerged in the fundraising order. Beth Doglio led the pack in 2020’s second quarter bringing in $332,012. Kristine Reeves raised the second most at $265,933 with Marilyn Strickland a hair behind at $263,821. Since January, Doglio has raised $571,651 followed by Strickland ($565,473) and Reeves ($539,992). Joshua Collins trails the trio with $249,064 in his campaign coffers.
In her bid to defend the 8th District seat she flipped in 2018, Kim Schrier is marching toward the August 4th primary with a $2.3 million war chest. Her closest opponent, Republican Jesse Jensen reported $47,699 in cash on hand. In what will likely be a District 3 general election rematch between Republican incumbent Jaime Herrera Beutler and Democrat Carolyn Long, Herrera Beutler has the slight edge with $1.8 million in cash on hand compared to Long’s $1.5 million.
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