Comments

1
Speaking of assholes: You assholes have physical distribution with a much larger reach than your editorial notice. Without your help, I am going to be forced to vote for Dave Reichert, Mark Hargrove and some douche named Andy Massagli.

Thanks a lot SECB!
2
Baconcat endorses Kshama Sawant! ...for position 2?!
3
Vote or we'll kill you? Like so many things, Puff Daddy did it first and did it better.
4
The Stranger endorsements are always a joy to read, even if I don't agree with every recommendation. Thanks SECB!!
5
"oversees voters"

Spell check: not a replacement for an editorial team.

Mostly agree, although I'll be voting for Kshama Sawant in 43-1 in the primary. Also, I encourage people to take a look at Bill Finkbeiner for Lt. Gov.; yes, Republican, but has served on 4Culture, is endorsed by NARAL, and has some good ideas on reform. Also, he's not a total nutjob who spent his voter guide space ranting against fluoridation.
6
(Also: If anyone from SECB would like to say why they didn't endorse Finkbeiner, I'd love to hear it, just in case he too is a closet ultra-right-winger or something and I didn't know. And I do like the idea of writing in Sawant for 43-2, so .. I'll probably do that in addition.)
7
I'm jealous. Nobody here in New York does such a wonderful, concise, well-reasoned, frank-language analysis of our primaries. This should serve as a national example of how to progressively endorse primary candidates.

Plus, even while serving a serious, admirable, public-service purpose, you wielded your rapier-like wit to slash through the fog and completely cracked me up time and again.

I've just barely stopped laughing at the image of the "empty mothbag," and probably shouldn't even mention, "smells like ... and clapped."
8
I learned who's running against Maria Cantwell. Seriously, I thought she was running unopposed this time around.
9
Why no endorsement for King County Sheriff? I'm voting for Urquhart
10
Elect James Robert Deal and before you know it your precious bodily solids will be disintegrating. We must protect the fluoridation of our water supply against all enemies foreign and domestic to ensure the integrity and freedom from cavities in our precious bodily solids that is our treasured inheritance from the great and noble generation that boldly brought bone-strengthening fluoride to our water supply.
11
In the 1st Congressional District race Sen. Steve Hobbs has legislative experience as well, as does (bleh) John Koster for that matter.

Also, a Seattle Mayor has been elected to statewide office once before. Arthur B. Langlie, a Republican elected Governor in 1940.
12
It's always disheartening to see SECB slip tacky, tepid, unoriginal establishment candidates under the door for positions they figure no one gives a shit about. (Except for Lt. Gov because they get a hard-on every time they bash Brad Owen. Whatever.) Most of the judicial and half of the statewide offices may as well have been cribbed from the KCDCC's list. This would have achieved the same (tepid, superficial, establishment-supported) results, and also would have saved them lots of time (and saved plenty of cash-strapped lefty candidates both time and gas money).
13
@11 You are correct that Hobbs and Koster also have legislative experience...but the SECB says Laura is the "only Democrat in the race with legislative experience."

A nice little jab at Hobbs, perhaps?
14
There are many criteria one could use to decide the race in the 1st. The Stranger appears to have chosen "legislative experience" as theirs. But on that basis, only Darcy Burner qualifies.

Here's why. Congress today is *totally different* from the Washington State Legislature of the early '00s. Night and day different. Going from a state legislature to Congress is like going from a local school board to the state legislature. Skills that worked at a lower level do not necessarily translate to the higher levels, where the rules of the game are simply different. The politics are different too. While there was contentiousness between right and left, D and R, in early '00s Olympia, it is nothing like what the WA-01 winner will face in Congress right now. If you're not prepared for or familiar with the partisan wars on Capitol Hill, you will quickly become ineffective and unable to represent your district or move your agenda.

More importantly, Ruderman - or any of the other Dems aside from Burner - will have very little power or influence in Congress. All of the current Northwestern Democrats are backbenchers and that's all they will ever be, especially with Norm Dicks retiring. The Democratic caucus in the House is run from California, with Chicago, Florida, and the NYC area playing key support roles. Unless one is independently wealthy, which Ruderman is not, any Democrat from any other place in the country will find themselves without power or influence, sitting outside the power structure of the House Democratic Caucus with a limited ability to drive their agenda.

How does an NW Democrat get around that? You find another power base. That is what Darcy Burner did with her work with the Congressional Progressive Caucus. They have 76 members and Darcy Burner was their executive director, leading their work on a range of policy issues in the 2009-10 era. She is seen by 76 members of Congress as a leader and that in turn would give her the ability to actually implement the things she is telling people on the campaign trail she wants to do. None of the other Democrats will have that ability.

Finally, because of her work at the CPC, she understands how Congress actually works. She knows the process, the politics, the system. Ruderman doesn't and will have a much steeper learning curve since she will not have the pre-existing connections Burner does.

There are many factors on which we can judge the candidates in the 1st, many arguments that can be made as to why one candidate or another is the best pick. But if the criteria is legislative experience and effectiveness, then the only candidate that fits that bill is Darcy Burner. No other candidate brings the experience and the connections needed to be effective in the House.
15
Why no mention of the massive giveaway to condo developers in KC Prop 1? Why on earth would you endorse that?
16
@15 - Because it's not a fucking giveaway, retard. It's a sale of currently unused land in order to offset the burden on taxpayers.

If you think selling things at market rates is giving it away, I've got a bridge I'd love to give you.

APPROVE PROP 1!
17
Mr Dorn, does have a serious challenger for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
www.jamesbauckmanforspi.wordpress.com.
Please review my experience, policies and philosophy of education. Not raising money via corporate donations does not make one any less of a serious candidate. I have been touring this state speaking with people about what I intend to do and have received huge support. I am running what I call a "Pay It Forward", no corporate money campaign. If you enjoy my ideas, think my policies would help children achieve their full potential and improve the educational system in the state, you then vote for me and convince 3 other people to do the same. Then convince them to also pay it forward in the same manner. 30 days, over 10 billion exchanges of that information. I will not sell out our children to the highest bidder and this is why I am not raising money. It appears to the establishment that I am not serious, but trust me, I am. I have received many endorsements, including the Whatcom County Democrats by a margin of 67% to 26% over Mr. Dorn. You can see the list on my website. Let's please not continue to marginalize candidates who are trying to reform politics by not accepting big money. We should actually be propping these people up as true reformers and leaders who are not willing to sell YOU all out for money. That is why you should vote for James Bauckman as Superintendent of Public Instruction. Please Pay It Forward. Thank you.
https://www.facebook.com/JamesBauckmanFo…
18
Mr Dorn, does have a serious challenger for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
www.jamesbauckmanforspi.wordpress.com.
Please review my experience, policies and philosophy of education. Not raising money via corporate donations does not make one any less of a serious candidate. I have been touring this state speaking with people about what I intend to do and have received huge support. I am running what I call a "Pay It Forward", no corporate money campaign. If you enjoy my ideas, think my policies would help children achieve their full potential and improve the educational system in the state, you then vote for me and convince 3 other people to do the same. Then convince them to also pay it forward in the same manner. 30 days, over 10 billion exchanges of that information. I will not sell out our children to the highest bidder and this is why I am not raising money. It appears to the establishment that I am not serious, but trust me, I am. I have received many endorsements, including the Whatcom County Democrats by a margin of 67% to 26% over Mr. Dorn. You can see the list on my website. Let's please not continue to marginalize candidates who are trying to reform politics by not accepting big money. We should actually be propping these people up as true reformers and leaders who are not willing to sell YOU all out for money. That is why you should vote for James Bauckman as Superintendent of Public Instruction. Please Pay It Forward. Thank you.
https://www.facebook.com/JamesBauckmanFo…
19
@ 8 she basically is
20
Also, what 7 said! Endorsement sheets are far, far too often so boring that no one reads them, and as a result few people care or bother to cast an informed vote in local and state races. Every endorsement committee everywhere should strive to be entertaining and funny even thought they are making serious points. if you want people to read, you gotta make it readable!
21
RE: Jay Inslee.

We absolutely must stop voting for the weak dems because the republican challenger is "scary". A generation of voting for the weak dems has begat us nothing but another generation of weak dems. At some point we have to stop being afraid of the republican, and vote our conscience; DO NOT support Inslee just because McKenna is scary. It's the only way we're going to get politicians on the dem ticket who actually support our progressive values.
22
@5 Fixed, thank you.
23
@11) Thanks for the catch. The piece should have said--and has been updated--to say, "Ruderman is also the only Democratic woman in the race with legislative experience" and "(No Democratic Seattle mayor has ever gone on to win statewide office.)"
24
@6: "Also: If anyone from SECB would like to say why they didn't endorse Finkbeiner, I'd love to hear it, just in case he too is a closet ultra-right-winger or something and I didn't know."

Finkbeiner is big on the 2/3rds majority for tax increases.
25
"And hot damn would it be thrilling to send a brash, uncompromising socialist alternative legislator to Olympia to kick some majority-squandering, safety-net-degrading Democratic ass.

But if you're looking to send a message by running a referendum on do-nothing Democrats, three-term incumbent Jamie Pedersen is the last Democrat we'd pick."

The Stranger's comments on this race are contradictory. Pedersen voted for all the budget cuts, so he is one of those "safety-net-degrading Democrats" whose ass needs to be kicked.

Furthermore, Pedersen was only able to get gay marriage passed because of the hard work of activists within the LGBT rights movement, including Kshama Sawant and Socialist Alternative, that worked to change public opinion. He basically rode the wave of support that Socialist Alternative and countless other LGBT activists created. The movement should be credited for this tremendous victory, not 1 congressman from 1 district in WA.

Voters in the 43rd should vote for Kshama Sawant to show Pedersen that we know what really "gets things done" for the people (mass movements), and we want to elect someone who understands that and will help build and give voice to the movements necessary to change our district, state, country, and world for the better. The worst thing that can happen is Pedersen will get a wake up call that the 43rd will not stand for any more budget cuts, which, hopefully will persuade him to vote differently in the next legislative session.

"I'd rather vote for something I want and not get it, than vote for something I don't want, and get it." - Eugene Debs

www.VoteSawant.org
26
"And hot damn would it be thrilling to send a brash, uncompromising socialist alternative legislator to Olympia to kick some majority-squandering, safety-net-degrading Democratic ass.

But if you're looking to send a message by running a referendum on do-nothing Democrats, three-term incumbent Jamie Pedersen is the last Democrat we'd pick."

The Stranger's comments on this race are contradictory. Pedersen voted for all the budget cuts, so he is one of those "safety-net-degrading Democrats" whose ass needs to be kicked.

Furthermore, Pedersen was only able to get gay marriage passed because of the hard work of activists within the LGBT rights movement, including Kshama Sawant and Socialist Alternative, that worked to change public opinion. He basically rode the wave of support that Socialist Alternative and countless other LGBT activists created. The movement should be credited for this tremendous victory, not 1 congressman from 1 district in WA.

Voters in the 43rd should vote for Kshama Sawant to show Pedersen that we know what really "gets things done" for the people (mass movements), and we want to elect someone who understands that and will help build and give voice to the movements necessary to change our district, state, country, and world for the better. The worst thing that can happen is Pedersen will get a wake up call that the 43rd will not stand for any more budget cuts, which, hopefully will persuade him to vote differently in the next legislative session.

"I'd rather vote for something I want and not get it, than vote for something I don't want, and get it." - Eugene Debs

www.VoteSawant.org
27
"And hot damn would it be thrilling to send a brash, uncompromising socialist alternative legislator to Olympia to kick some majority-squandering, safety-net-degrading Democratic ass.

But if you're looking to send a message by running a referendum on do-nothing Democrats, three-term incumbent Jamie Pedersen is the last Democrat we'd pick."

The Stranger's comments on this race are contradictory. Pedersen voted for all the budget cuts, so he is one of those "safety-net-degrading Democrats" whose ass needs to be kicked.

Furthermore, Pedersen was only able to get gay marriage passed because of the hard work of activists within the LGBT rights movement, including Kshama Sawant and Socialist Alternative, that worked to change public opinion. He basically rode the wave of support that Socialist Alternative and countless other LGBT activists created. The movement should be credited for this tremendous victory, not 1 congressman from 1 district in WA.

Voters in the 43rd should vote for Kshama Sawant to show Pedersen that we know what really "gets things done" for the people (mass movements), and we want to elect someone who understands that and will help build and give voice to the movements necessary to change our district, state, country, and world for the better. The worst thing that can happen is Pedersen will get a wake up call that the 43rd will not stand for any more budget cuts, which, hopefully will persuade him to vote differently in the next legislative session.

"I'd rather vote for something I want and not get it, than vote for something I don't want, and get it." - Eugene Debs

www.VoteSawant.org
28
Hi. I am Scott Stafne. I am running against Susas Owens for position 2.

The Stranger editorial board states about me:

"One of her [Owens'] challengers, Scott Stafne, weakly insists, "I just think the supreme court needs a fresh voice." We disagree. Vote Owens."

The Stranger prefers Owens. it says, "because her ass is riddled with bedsores shaped like the state seal."

I think the Stranger's editors need to do some better critical thinking. I am the only gay person running for a seat on the Supreme Court. We have four women judges. Isn't there room for gay judge who has far better academic credentials than Owens?

I am also the only candidate in all the judicial raises who is challenging the judicary as failing Washington's citizens. I am the only candidate that is talking about real changes for the court system and our government in general.

The fact that I am gay makes me a fresh voice. The fact that I am talking about issues affecting the 99% also makes me a fresh voice.

I am sorry Susan Owens butt has distracted the Stranger's editorial views.

Maybe you guys should think with your heads and stop looking for one liners by which to categorize our world.

Best Regards,

Scott Stafne
Candidate for Supreme Court, Pos. 2.

PS: I think your readers would be better served by reading my webpage, www.stafneforjustice.com and my blog, scottstafne.com , when deciding who to vote for in this race.

29
Stranger, you disappoint me. You seem to celebrate progressive ideas and yet you think that abolishing the juvenile jail is ludicrous? I cordially invite you to come out to the festival of renaissance happening at the jail on Thursday the 26th to see some of the amazing people who work so hard to provide services outside of the prison industrial complex. How can you not understand that the new jail will have twice as many beds as there are juveniles currently incarcerated? I represented kids incarcerated there as a limited license attorney during my final semester of law school and even they are smart enough to figure out what a new jail means. It certainly won't benefit them, their records will already be tarnished by the time they get there, forever affecting their ability to get a job or an apartment until they can get their record sealed (while white kids up north like me just got a call to their parents if they got into trouble, these kids have to face the criminal punishment system). SCHOOLS NOT JAILS.

Information below:

The County is planning to spend $210 MILLION to "rehabilitate" the youth jail on 12th and Alder. The plan includes building commercial spaces that will further gentrify the Central District.

We say stop spending money to lock up youth of color! Our communities need health care, housing, jobs, childcare, income, and gardens, not more police violence, courts and cages!

On July 26, join us for a day-long Festival of Resistance at the youth jail! Help spread the message:

VOTE NO on the levy to raise money for the new youth jail on AUGUST 7!

STOP INVESTING IN CAGING YOUTH!

Come hang out and meet your neighbors! There will be food, music, workshops, activities for kids and more! Rally at 6pm!!

More info on why we oppose Proposition No. 1: http://nonewyouthjail.wordpress.com/why-…
30
Re: your 46th District endorsement. What a pile of horse manure. What has happened to the Stranger that you now seem to prefer the same old-guard Olympia lobbyists over highly qualified candidates who will bring genuine expertise and real world experience to Olympia. And how could you completely ignore the one candidate (Shelly Crocker) who received the highest Muni League rating given in this race, is a highly rated attorney with extensive experience dealing with complex finances and budgets, has a strong record of community service and is the ONLY GAY CANDIDATE in the race. Who do you think reads your paper? As a lesbian, I am appalled by your endorsements in the 46th District.
31
Re: your 46th District endorsement. What a pile of horse manure. What has happened to the Stranger that you now seem to prefer the same old-guard Olympia lobbyists over highly qualified candidates who will bring genuine expertise and real world experience to Olympia. And how could you completely ignore the one candidate (Shelly Crocker) who received the highest Muni League rating given in this race, is a highly rated attorney with extensive experience dealing with complex finances and budgets, has a strong record of community service and is the ONLY GAY CANDIDATE in the race. Who do you think reads your paper? As a lesbian, I am appalled by your endorsements in the 46th District.
32
@ 21 Inslee is not a weak Dem the weak Dems are the ones on the left and far left who are more Green than Democrat.
33
@28 You think being gay qualifies you to sit on the State Supreme Court? Wow, way to demonstrate exactly why the SECB was right to reject you! State Supreme Court seats are for people who know how to do logic correctly, and you obviously don't. The other things you cite, about the "issues" you're talking about - that's legislative stuff, not judicial stuff. Why don't you try learning how the system works before you try to get into it?
34
I am another 1st District Dem who will be voting for Darcy Burner for the reasons @11 junipero so eloquently stated.
35
O'Donnell? Hilyer? Really?? Dig deeper. Please.
36
"Ruderman is also the only Democratic woman in the race with legislative experience."

So, is having a vagina the only criteria that matters?

Wasn't the support from Hobbs (whose current district is entirely in the 1st CD) for gay marriage at least worth a mention in a review of why you want people to vote in a discussion on why you support Ruderman?

It isn't like Hobbs has been your enemy. At least include him in the discussion of why you should vote for Ruderman. Otherwise your recommendations look like the Vagina Monologs 2.0.
37
What about the US Congressional 6th district? To replace Norm Dicks, who's retiring? I'm thinking Derek Kilmer.
38
@21 Inslee is not a weak Dem. Perhaps you didn't actually read this article. Methinks you're not a Dem, certainly. Vote for the scary guy because the other guy isn't good enough? You're scary. Ick.
39
@29 - "Abolishing" jail is ludicrous. Period. Nobody associated with the anti-prop1 movement has yet been able to provide even an incoherent, let alone viable, vision of what a society with no criminal justice system would look like.

> "people who work so hard to provide services outside of the prison industrial complex"

What about the people who work inside the building to ensure that our youth don't ever come back? Probation counselors, Step-Up, ROYAL, ART, the community Diversion program, the Drug Court program...? I could go on.

What about the non-criminal matters that the current YSC deals with? Child advocacy in custody or abuse matters? Why should they have to discuss their personal business with attorneys in the lobby because there's no private space for them to go?

> "twice as many beds as there are juveniles currently incarcerated?"

The word is detained. Most are just in overnight, and none are serving an extended sentence. This is a courthouse and detention facility, not a prison.

The proposed building may have twice the beds as detainees, but the old one has thrice. So, I guess the new construction brings you 1/3 of the way to eliminating the detention facility entirely.

> "It certainly won't benefit them"

It won't change their situation, no. But it will be a cleaner facility with drinkable water, a proper HVAC system and other improvements.

> "white kids up north...got a call to their parents...these kids have to face the criminal punishment system"

Racial disparity is absolutely a real problem in the US criminal justice system. It's getting better here in King County, but there's a long way to go. In the end, it's a fix that needs to start at the community and police levels. If the cop gives you a warning, the prosecutors can't go forward with charges. And if the PAO recieves a case, they have to at least review it.

None of that will be impacted one way or the other by modernizing a 60-year-old building.

> "SCHOOLS NOT JAILS."

It's not an either-or. Go yell at the governor for the cuts-only budgets, and yell at the people for voting down school levys. I will support that movement 100%.

But the question isn't "fix the courthouse or fix the schools"--it's "fix the courthouse or...don't."

> "plan includes building commercial spaces"

No. The plan involves selling currently unused, valuable property to private developers in order to offset the taxpayer burden of the construction.

And since when did making an area less shitty suddenly become synonymous with gentrification. It's not like poor people live in shitty areas because they PREFER SHITTY!? As a current resident of the CD, I welcome more development. This isn't tearing down a ghetto to put in high-rises. It's about improving a community that deserves some improvement.

> "Our communities need health care, housing, jobs, childcare, income, and gardens"

I agree. How about you stop wasting your time fighting against improving the area, and start spending it on making the above things happen?
40
@24 Ugh, good to know. Well, my mental bipartisanship was nice while it lasted. Thank you!
41
@6 Finkbeiner had every opportunity to win our hearts and our minds. In fact, I was rooting for him to do exactly that. He didn't.
42
You know Adam Smith has a challenger from the left, right? Seems like you barely glanced over the 9th.

www.tomcramer.org
43
@30 & 31. I'm an extremely active member of the 46th district. I am very familiar with both of the people endorsed for positions in the 46th. I've never heard of Shelly Crocker. What has Shelly done for the district? Has she attended meetings? Has she run for the Board? Is she a PCO? People that do these types of things in the district have their fingers on the pulse of the 46th so are aware of what the District sees as the future of the Democratic Party. Sarajane and Gerry definitly know what the membership wants, and is looking for, in their candidates. Come back when you've done your homework.
44
I would like to know why the Stranger would endorse Inslee and Cantwell considering they voted for the NDAA Indefinite Detention Bill. Ever think of asking those two clowns why in all fuck they would vote for such a fascist bill? However, I think it is more telling of The Stranger and how goddamned disconnected your endorsement board is. Why would these "good liberals" vote along with every goddamned Republican in this state for Indefinite Detention? Why doesn't the Stranger even bring it up????? Fascism is good......as long as there is a D after it I guess......
45
@43: It's a little odd that you're confusing the 46th District (a place inhabited by thousands of people) and the 46th District Democrats (a club with maybe 200 members). Isn't it possible that someone has done a lot for the larger 46th District but never bothered to join your little Democratic club?
46
You have the right to endorse, but to blame those serving in the military for when our primary election happens is beyond absurd. You have the freedoms you have because of their service.
47
Cantwell has endorsed Bush's foreign policy. Sorry - we need a serious change! Support Michael Baumgartner!!
48
Cantwell not only endorses the indefinite detention of Americans, she voted for it...time for a serious change! Vote Michael Baumgartner!
49
I voted for Dorn last time. Its time to get another perspective. Choose a candidate imbued with optimism who might bring about a historical turning point in our state of education. Society is facing another paradigm shift. Today Science, psychology, mathematics,music,physics,biology, etc. are....integrated subjects ! This is a new age, folks. Since I've been around a very long time , I see old patterns repeating themselves adnauseam. The wheels go round but there's not much traction left. I will choose James.
50
@47/48: The same Michael Baumgartner who has actively taken part in seeing that foreign policy carried out? No, thanks.
51
Per usual, the Stranger endorses the libs in knee jerk fashion. Makes voting easy for me as I vote the opposite of the Stranger on most everything.
52
@45, Although there may only be be about 200 people that consistantly attend 46 LD meetings, there are over 1,000 other members, and there are over 20,000 people in the 46th LD (more if you include Republicans).

Sarajane and Gerry have worked for over 20 years in the interest of ALL of the people in the district (not to mention the City of Seattle, King County and the State of Washington), whatever their orientation or political preference. Maybe the Stranger recognizes that and endorses if them because of it.
53
THANK YOU, everybody at The Stranger, UNLIKE the"Rob's our man" drugtards at The Seattle Times, for endorsing Jay Inslee for Governor in 2012!!!!

@51: And, per usual, I will vote opposite you, because you and @21 are obviously totally clueless!
54
@52, 200 people regularly attend 46th LD meetings? I've been to several 46th LD meetings and there is no way that's true. I also highly doubt there are 1,000 dues-paying members.
55
@29 I would genuinely love to have a conversation with you about it. Just curious, what ties have you had to the juvenile system? Any? Have you been to the juvenile justice center? Have you actually asked the kids and their families what they think about the proposition? You know, the people ACTUALLY affected by it? You contradict yourself because you suggest that no one is there for a long period of time (not true, one of my clients was) and then you suggest that these are fundamental changes that need to happen for the health/safety of people in the building. I agree with making the building safer, if need be, but it doesn't require a 200 million dollar new facility. Furthermore, I've attended meetings with those who touch and concern the facility the most (judges, attorneys, probation officers) and feel as though I have a pretty good understanding of what this all entails. If you have been affected by the system, in any way, then I am sorry and I could maybe have some respect for your analysis. Otherwise, you are just another person brainwashed by the prison industrial complex. But seriously, if you feel that juxtaposed to the anti-prison movement, I seriously urge you to go (even if just for five minutes) to just hear some people out. I've been to meetings where the county council just, well, they just walked out and refused to answer some very articulate and valid questions from counselors, former prisoners, judges, professors, and people in the community. This isn't an anarchist movement, it's a celebration of the community and those that dedicate their lives to keeping kids out of the system in the first place. We just want others to understand that children don't deserve or need to be put in prison.
56
Oh, and by the way, I don't A) directly insult whatever it is you contribute to the community or whatever passion you may have and B) I don't resort to calling other people a "retard." These sorts of tactics lead me to believe you have a more self-indulgent agenda then actually contributing something constructive and educational to the conversation. It seems like you're probably educated, or at least, interested in topics you contribute to. But, if you'd like people to show you respect, you should refrain from name calling and patronizing others.
57
Read Kshama Sawant's response to The Stranger calling for a write-in vote for her against Frank Chopp here: http://votesawant.org/?q=node/14
59
@33:
When Stafne says that the court system is not working, he refers in part to selective judicial review of lower court practices in land use law that missed - either through inadequate statutory interpretation or unpublished opinion - mortgage fraud on a massive scale (cough cough WAMU).

The Supreme Court is the regulatory body of the judicial system. Oliver Wendell Holmes' shorthand: the legislative body looks to laws of the future while the judicial deals with laws (infringed upon) in the past.

The problem is that the common law lags behind the financial services industry by decades. Wall Street is nimble and over-financed. The Supreme Court is glacial, a self-enamored edifice preoccupied with it's own lofty status. It does not do trials. It does review of the appeals and lower courts, determining jurisdictional questions and reviewing conflicts not resolvable elsewhere. Marbury v Madison articulates the courts mandate to 'determine what the law is.' This is not legislation. It's written on the building.

Steven Gonzales says that he wants his judicial legacy to be rulings that are fearless and fair. This is what the people want - for white collar criminals who commit banking and securities fraud to be held as accountable for their crimes as any other criminal. And then for the crimes to cease.

The 'why' of how that doesn't happen might be the legion of lawyers working of behalf of banks and the paltry few who'd even agree to take a foreclosure case. The legal precedent created by lower court cases fails to come into existence if the proceedings go unpublished. Our courts reliance upon unpublished opinion to squelch foreclosure defense is a F*ING OUTRAGE.

Susan Owens is a wonderful justice. But while cheerleading the judiciary (running around the state promoting the law as a career in public schools) she missed out on the chance to file against WAMU.

Who employs the courts, the people, or the corporations? If you say corporations, then vote for Susan Owens. Stafne is for the people.

His sexual orientation has nothing to do with the economics of it. I just think it's kind of odd how selectively The Stranger plays the sexuality card. No openly gay man has ever run for this elected position. History or not, you decide.
60
When Stafne says that the court system is not working, he refers in part to selective judicial review of lower court practices in land use law that missed - either through inadequate statutory interpretation or unpublished opinion - mortgage fraud on a massive scale (cough cough WAMU).

The Supreme Court is the regulatory body of the judicial system. Oliver Wendell Holmes' shorthand: the legislative body looks to laws of the future while the judicial deals with laws (infringed upon) in the past.

The problem is that the common law lags behind the financial services industry by decades. Wall Street is nimble and over-financed. The Supreme Court is glacial, a self-enamored edifice preoccupied with it's own lofty status. It does not do trials. It does review of the appeals and lower courts, determining jurisdictional questions and reviewing conflicts not resolvable elsewhere. Marbury v Madison articulates the courts mandate to 'determine what the law is.' This is not legislation. It's written on the building.

Steven Gonzales says that he wants his judicial legacy to be rulings that are fearless and fair. This is what the people want - for white collar criminals who commit banking and securities fraud to be held as accountable for their crimes as any other criminal. And then for the crimes to cease.

The 'why' of how that doesn't happen might be the legion of lawyers working of behalf of banks vs the paltry few who'd even agree to take a foreclosure case. The legal precedent created by lower court cases fails to come into existence if the proceedings go unpublished. Our courts reliance upon unpublished opinion to squelch foreclosure defense is a F*ING OUTRAGE.

Susan Owens is a wonderful justice. But while cheerleading the judiciary (running around the state promoting the law as a career in public schools) she missed out on the chance to file against WAMU.

Who employs the courts, the people, or the corporations? If you say corporations, then vote for Susan Owens. Stafne is for the people.

His sexual orientation has nothing to do with the economics of it. I just think it's kind of odd how selectively The Stranger plays the sexuality card. No openly gay man has ever run for this elected position. History or not, you decide.
61
@55/56 - To address your last point first, trstr's comment WAS retarded. In the slang sense, of course. I imagine that most people suffering from learning disabilities understand fine that "selling" and "giving away" are different things. And while you may not call people retards, you're certainly willing to throw "brainwashed" around at the drop of a hat. I also find it amusing that you call me patronizing, while your entire post consist of assuming I don't know what I'm talking about instead of actually speaking to the points I brought up.

But, you want to have a conversation, so let's rewind to your points in 55. Yes, I have ties to the juvenile system. I work in it, and have for 6 years. I have daily conversations with the very attorneys and probation counselors you brag about meeting, as well as support staff, security and facilities people. You say that you understand what this entails, but you don't say that any of the judges, JPCS and attorneys you spoke with OPPOSE the reconstruction of the building. Because there's pretty much universal support for the project within the building.

I spent 4.5 years with the community diversion program--a program that removes more than half of the criminal referrals that come into the courthouse *before* they are ever charged in court. Our kids met with community volunteers, were assigned consequences, and if they complied with the terms of their agreements, they were never charged. No criminal record.

During my time there, I wrote an analysis report on racial bias in the diversion program, and we used the data I had collected to address those issues, in particular non-English-speaking families not understanding our letter, and the difficulty of locating and communicating with transient families. During my time there, we had increased participation rates year over year as a direct result of my work.

So, assuming my bona fides meet with your approval, and you can stop talking down to me, perhaps you'd like to actually address the points I brought up.

I stand by my statement that no youth are serving extended sentences in our facility. Sometimes kids end up here for quite a while as resolving a criminal case (or more often several) drags on and on. Also, understand that "a few months" is not an extended sentence.

> "children don't deserve or need to be put in prison."

Yeah. Sometimes they do. Sometimes a 15-year-old rapes his 6-year-old cousin. Sometimes a 12-year-old is picked up for the 6th time for giving his caregiver grandmother a black eye. And sometimes drug addics and prostitutes need intervention services that this facility provides that don't involve "prison."

The system is far from perfect. There is no question about that. But there should also be no question about the fact that our youth, their families, and the employees who spend every day trying to help them, deserve better than this facility.
62
Am I the only one who thinks it is odd that Kathlyn Ehl, errant tweeter and ex-member of Rob McKenna's staff, is listed as a member of the Stranger's Election Control Board?
63
Well, if you are a proponent of the JC for the sake of social services, I guess I just feel saddened you think it's okay to use that term (not okay in the slang sense) and admit you work there (can't imagine your coworkers would be thrilled to read that) and that I probably crossed paths with you. Thanks for bringing up the recidivism issue, though, definitely cuts both ways.
64
@54

@52 is absolutely accurate on all counts here. I attend regularly, and I have no doubt those 46th ld Dems meetings average 200 people over the course of the year.

Congratulations to Gerry and Sarajane!
65
@52 and @54
I'm one of those 1,000 46th District members and I think the endorsement process is a joke. The 46th District endorsement isn't about who is more qualified but simply rewards those who have "paid their dues" to the party - which, by the way, isn't the same thing as serving your community.
66
@65

It's less about rewarding than supporting people we have come to know and respect. Being active in the party hasn't been an automatic ticket to endorsement.

In the case of Sarajane and Gerry, no one can dispute that they have been hard at work in the community as well.
67
@39 & @61: Thank you for your articulate, reasoned discussion of prop 1. While I'm sure it's in no danger of failing and I would have probably voted to approve, you cemented a "Yes" vote from me.
69
@64, The candidates in question "paid thier dues" by serving their community (and more) over the course of more than 20 years - EACH.
70
good writing!!!I always enjoy reading all the posts here...double mattress
71
Thanks to "The Stranger" for your help in giving me the dirt about folks running for statewide offices. Down here in podunk Vancouver we don't have any snarky and liberal paper like yours -- oops, we do, except it's across the mighty Columbia in another city and state and it doesn't cover Washington politics much.
72
Is it a joke that Kathyln Ehl is listed as part of your elections board? Or is she a different person from the McKenna staffer who just resigned over her tweets?
73
Interesting that not one of the 36th District candidates for State Rep. position 2 have a record of fighting for tax reform, or brought it up until I did. That's an original bunch, I must say. I gathered signatures on I-1098 (Income Tax), called, and then worked with Sisters Organize for Survival for 3 years to push progressive taxes. I'm the only Progressive running. The only way to change our situation is to change the way you vote. I owe nothing to the Ds and Rs, only to the voters. Linde Knighton
74
Dorn is a petulant tool.

McKenna is clearly superior in all ways to Inslee.

Other than that, uh. Nothing.
75
I am sick to my stomach to see the gay-rights- activist, Stranger, endorse Maria Cantwell for re-election. Maria Cantwell voted in support of Obama's unconstitutional indefinite detention law (the NDAA) taking away our civil liberties (and civil liberties are inseparably connected to gay rights!), she supports $7 million of our tax dollars PER DAY going to subsidize the Israeli military's apartheid system against the people of Palestine under the overused bullshit guise of "fighting terrorism," as well as voted in support of giving more funding to the FDA's SWAT teams they send in against small farmers who pose a threat to the profits of big agriculture.
It is strange to see a publication who claims to champion the cause of oppressed people, turn right around and disregard blatant oppression against others as if those people don't matter. I don't get it.
I am voting for Tim Wilson ("Peace and Prosperity instead of War and Austerity! www.TimWilsonforSenate.org) because there is no reason why we can't have ALL the good things we want. A democrat like Maria Cantwell (and Patty Murray!) who shits on our civil liberties the way she did by voting for the NDAA, IS SHIT!
76
This article is super-valuable. I use it every year to know who not to vote for. Thanks, Stranger!
77
Darshan Rauniyar is the man with the plan for U.S. Congressional Dist. #1.

Why does such a liberal, left leaning publication like the Stranger not even mention the candidate with the best and most ideas, that happen to appease both the far left and tea party alike on many of them?

I sure hope you aren't bought out like most of the media.

People, please check out his ideas at http://www.darshanforcongress.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/darshan.rauniyar
78
"incumbent King County Superior Court judge Doug North for Position 30"

Did you actualy get to speak with him in person?

He's not been able to actually work as a judge for about seven months, and still doesn't appear to be able to physically make endorsement interviews.

But hey, ability to actually carry out the functin of an office is apparently not a concern of the SECB! That would also explain the endorsement for the Paranoia Party candidate for LtGov.
79
I got the chance to sit and speak with Tim Wilson.

I asked him what he thought of the Senate rules on cloture.

He asked me what that was.

Sorry, Tim, but next time I advise you to know something about the position you're running for.
80
Waging war on fluoride is not harmless. Lose all your teeth and you'll see how not harmless that war is. Yeah, there's plenty of fluoride in toothpaste these days. But there's lots of people out there who don't invest in their dental health. They need their teeth. Pick someone else -- there's 4 other guys on the ballot!
81
@46: Yes, the language about the early voting situation was harsh, but it sounded to me like it was criticizing the stupidity of the system, not 'blaming' military members overseas for wanting to vote.
82
What the fuck is wrong with the STRANGER ELECTION CONTROL BOARD?
First, you declare that "In fact, your primary ballot is packed with assholes."

Example:
"Smith's Republican opponent Jim Postma told us that he'd 'never seen a tax cut I didn't like.' And then he admitted that he had 'worked on the government dole almost my entire life.' Total asshole. Vote for Smith."

In a political environment trolled by many people of highly-questionable judgment, dubious (at best) psychological stability, and possible inclination to take armed action against political figures, you dumb fucks publish something so incredibly ill-advised and incendiary as:
"And remember: Vote or we'll kill you, assholes."

All for a cheap laugh. Was it worth the pointless risk?

What a bunch of assholes.
83
Idaho wrote,
"I got the chance to sit and speak with Tim Wilson.

I asked him what he thought of the Senate rules on cloture.

He asked me what that was.

Sorry, Tim, but next time I advise you to know something about the position you're running for."

I've asked politicians questions that they had no answer for or didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about. I bet there are issues that each person running for office has at least one thing that they aren't familiar with.

Have you checked out http://timwilsonforsenate.org/
?
Because what he does know is pretty impressive!

Here's a short List of things he supports.~
Wall Street reform; cutting spending on endless wars; a woman's choice to do what she feels is right for her own body (if it's a sin in your eyes, let God judge that. We are not the judge!); Fair Trade (not free trade that ships jobs overseas); Protecting our First Amendment rights; Ending Citizens United (if corporations are people, then should they also be put to death when they kill or should they have the right to marry? What if they are two male corporations? LOL!);
There's more just check it out!

I didn't know a thing about him until our ballot came in the mail, so we've been doing our research and he is by far the best candidate. He may not have the experience or money that Cantwell has, but maybe it's time to stop voting for career polititans. You would think that after all that time in office they would start doing the right thing.

Thanks Stranger, for not even a peep about this impressive candidate.

84
Sorry, it wasn't "Idaho" that made the post I commented on, it was "K".
86
"we'll kill you."
Just another day at the office for those savage wits at The Stranger.
Can't take a joke? Move to Aurora, Colorado, duche stupid credulous dickwad asshole etc.
87
Stranger masturbates in print again...readers get slimed.

Fairly major piece--for a 13-year-old.

Rap 2 yr posse, laff 2 yr own jokes...'n influence zero "straight" people who might wander onto yr website, er pick up yr paper, lookin fer some left-o-center advice.

The person possessed of positive information, but who fails to effectively share it with mature and thoughtful others, is living in a wrong and autistic world.

Laff that. N take yer Deal and shove it.

88
@47 & @48: You need a serious lobotomy!
89
@74 Cletus: You're clearly an inept fool in all ways voting.
Other than your pea brian, uh, nothing.
90
@82 - Has it occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, all that stuff is supposed to be funny? That's it's not meant to be taken seriously even though the endorsements themselves are in fact serious? That they're supposed to make the endorsement sheet interesting and readable so as not to bore the reader to death?
91
Randy Dorn? You guys have got to be kidding me? Have you even read his statement in the voter's pamphlet? It is riddled with so many grammar and punctuation errors! How embarrassing. Someone who is running for Superintendent of Public Instruction should know how to use a comma, when and when NOT to capitalize a letter, and proper form for writing a professional essay. Want to know what is wrong with Seattle's public schools? Just look at the fools in charge...
92
@11-the author said DEMOCRATIC.
93
Is this story and cheat sheet a highlight or prominent link on Slog or the stranger? Because its an ordeal for me to go look up this post after I've received my ballot. I'm sure if it gets prominent placement, more people will drop in their ballots.
94
Bergquist drives an American made car. He does not live in a 6000 square foot home in a gated community (although one of his opponents does).
Bergquist has always had the same name (unlike one of his opponents). Bergquist has NOT been convicted of United States Labor Law violations (unlike one of his opponenets). Bergquist has not been denied to participate in the H1M immigration program (unlike one of his opponents)
Bergquist is a high school teacher, coach and small business owner. He has spent hundreds of hours working with Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army to help members of our community.
Oh yes, Bergquist also did not just move to the area 5 years ago (unlike one of his opponents).
I have already cast my ballot FOR Steve Bergquist. ... Now I do hope that the stranger goes the way of publicola....out of business
95
Hey, the LD43 stuff is all silly with names in the wrong place. Fix it fix it!
96
oh nm, I get what you were doing there. Still, confusing!
97
In the judicial races for King County, Sean
O'Donnell is the real deal: comitted to public service, bi-partisan support; demonstrated success on tough issues and cases; enthusiastic and idealistic with the depth of experience we need. Sean could continue to prosecute significant cases for a number of years, but the time is right for Sean to make this next step, The prosecutor's loss will be the bench's gain.
Not so with two contenders in other superior court races who are currently employed by the King County Prosecutor: 1. Roger Davidheiser's write-up in the voter's pamphlet inflates his actual experience and contributions to his office and to justice. Voters should view appellate cases to find instances of prosecutorial misconduct that demonstrate Davidheiser's poor Judgment. They also may want to take a long hard look at the miminal contributions he has made to the prosecutor's office over the years: "just what does Roger do?" has been a question that arises often throughout his career. In recent years, it has seemed the office just did not know where to put him or what to do with him, and this was not short-sightedness on the part of the office. Now, as he keeps running into dead ends in the office, he's decided he might as well run for judge. Not a real ringing endorsement for his abilities on the bench.
2. Latecomer Gary Ernsdorff is also a Senior Prosecutor who has worn out his usefulness in the office and is having a hard time finding that "special" job that might be created for him. When it all becomes too stressful to see what the prosecutor's office will do to you now that you've been demoted from your job as felony trial supervisor, then just chuck it all and run for judge. But just how good of a judge would you be when you as a prosecutor lack the trial skills to convict a police officer who was on video engaging in improper assaultive behavior by repeatedly assaulting an obnoxious teenage girl in a holding cell. Though Gary's career as it was was focused more on administration and advising other deputies, his advice often missed the mark and demonstrated his lack of depth and experience. Senior trial attorneys within the office did not respect his abilities to try cases or to manage the deputies he was charged to supervise.

O'Donnell - YES
Davidheiser -- No
Ernsdorff -- N0
98
Oh come on! Overseas voters aren't so bad!! And we aren't all military but live in other countries because we're so damn liberal we couldn't take ultra conservative Seattle anymore. ;-). Still jealouse of the coffee!

Http://AngryRobotCoffee.com
99
vote NO on KC Proposition 1. It's not ludicrous to ask for abolition of prisons. They haven't always existed, nor will they continue to exist forever. If someone tells you that you're asking for something impossible (or ludicrous,) it's probably worth seeking.

"Imprisonment has become the first resort to far too many of our social problems." --Angela Davis
100
I'm so confused why Kathlyn Ehl is on your election board. Was she on this before the twitter scandal? Or did you think it was funny to have her participate after you helped get her fired?

I can't take your recommendations seriously, if you don't take the people on your election board seriously.
101
Please tell me Kathlyn Ehl was on the election board before you knew about her racist and ageist statements on twitter!!
102
@ 90
"I have always been... east coaster"

Yes, east coaster, I clearly understand that the Stranger trades greatly on parody, humor, sarcasm, and the like. MY point is that many dumbfucks (including yourself, apparently) are not inclined to consider the danger, and the historic consequences, of those who are unable to differentiate between "humor" and incitable admonitions. Are there no libraries, newspapers, magazines, TV news programs, NPR, or Internet connections in your part of the "east coast"? We certainly have those media amenities in the Boston area. But thanks to you, for contributing to the stereotype of ignorant New England folk. Really, that's just wicked great.
What a yutz.
103
From James Robert Deal:

Thank you for endorsing me as candidate for Lieutenant Governor. I stress progressive values. See www.JamesRobertDeal.org.

On the other hand, your dismissal of so-called fluoridation as a “batshit” issue shows you did not read the detailed information I provided you. See: www.fluoride-class-action.com/hempfest-2…. This elixer added to our water is not naturally occurring calcium fluoride. It is industrial grade fluorosilicic acid, straight out of the wet scrubbers in the smokestacks of the phosphate fertilizer industry in Florida, Mexico, and China. It contains hydrogen fluoride, one of the most toxic and penetrating of all substances. It contains lead, and arsenic and leaches lead out of pipes. It is filth masquerading as medicine for our teeth. It is medication forced on everyone without our informed consent.

Fetuses and infants are most sensitive because their cells are still dividing. Others who are highly sensitive are diabetics, arthritics, and those with kidney and thyroid disease and chemical sensitivities. So-called fluoridation makes a lot of people a little sick and a few people very sick.

Fluoride, lead, and arsenic accumulate lifetime, and the body has a hard time excreting them. These toxins can shorten our lives and make our old age a demented experience. Everett wastes $300,000 per year on this vice. See www.Fluoride-Class-Action.com/Sham.

The Stranger shows great sensitivity to other minorities. It should show sensitivity to those who are harmed by this fraud – some of us right away, all of us eventually.

James@JamesRobertDeal.org


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