VANCOUVER, WA — Carolyn Long released a statement, conceding the race for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, following the announcement of the general election results showing Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) with a commanding lead: 202,996 votes, or 55 percent, to Long’s 165,072 votes, or 44 percent.

“I am so incredibly proud of the strength of this grassroots campaign,” Long said. “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible effort and those who have supported us with their vote.

“From reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors all across Southwest Washington to speak about the campaign, to asking me questions and letting me know about the issues that are on your mind, to chipping in with a few bucks here and there—you were there for me and I deeply appreciate it.

“I’m proud we ran a campaign based on facts, policy, and the truth. I am someone who believes in running on the issues and leading a campaign based on integrity and trust. It’s why I didn’t take a dime of corporate PAC money. At the end of each day, I reminded myself that how one runs a campaign is a reflection of who they are as a person.

“Thank you, again, to everyone who has supported us and been a part of this effort. I am proud of everything we have accomplished.”

The Herrera Beutler campaign issued this statement: “We’re just grateful to the voters for putting their faith in Jaime yet again. In prior elections the Republican vote usually grows, and we think that trend will hold this election as well.”

For voters who wish to check on the status of their mailed in ballot, the Clark County Elections Office has an online tool.

Status Tool

With the ballot status tool in VoteWA, you can track your ballot for each election from the time we mail it to you to the time we receive and accept it for counting!

If your tracking status is “rejected,” Clark County Elections will contact you by mail to inform you of the specific issue and how to resolve it. Please respond quickly to correct the situation so your vote can be counted.

Signature Challenges

Signature challenges occur when a voter does not sign the envelope which contains the voted ballot or when the signature on the return envelope does not match the signature the Clark County Elections Office has on file. If your signature is challenged, you will receive a letter from Clark County Elections.

To fix any signature challenge issues, carefully follow the instructions on the form you receive and return the form to Clark County Elections. All signature challenge forms must be received by our office no later than 5 pm the day before the election is certified. For this election, the date of certification is November 24th. So, the signature form must be received no later than 5 pm on November 23rd. Return your completed form in the envelope provided or drop it off in person to ensure your form is received before the deadline.

Editor’s Note: When Lacamas Magazine covers political events we do not necessarily endorse or condone the content, positions, or actions being reported on.

Question 1: At your 60th Town Hall you said the United States needs to make changes to the Electoral College. Can you elaborate on that proposal?

I used to think the Electoral College was a good idea because it forced presidential candidates to campaign to lower population states so it encouraged them to go to small states. 

We’ve seen it twice now that’s not happening.

We need to look at a change. It has to be a solution that incorporates elements of the Electoral College. What would a hybrid look like to emphasize the more urban areas? We need to talk about how the Electoral College gives advantage to small states and we should take some of that model to offset what is happening in our times, which is being studied by political scientists right now.

Things have changed. It used to be that Republicans didn’t favor the Electoral College, and Dems did. Now, that’s changed. To have allowance for giving states representation irrespective of the popular vote. It’s all very uncertain.

Question 2: Would you be a part of the Problem Solvers caucus in Congress, if elected?

Yes, I would be part of that. (Former Congressman) Brian Baird suggested that years ago. Something that I said last night is that the true sign of bipartisanship is how a member acts in the majority. When you’re in the majority you don’t have to reach across the aisle. Of course I would join it. I would join other caucuses. We need to look at investments in infrastructure, and we need to do that. We emphasize that in our pandemic plan.

The newly elected members of Congress want more bipartisanship. They are tired of the negativity, they are tired of Congress and how it’s led.

I would stand up to Speaker Pelosi. Absolutely. Look at my public statements on the matter. Look at my campaign and for these past three years have been clear. 

I very have displayed that.

What I know as a professor is often members of Congress act in a way to keep their job. They are concerned about bucking the party. I’m not looking at this as a career. I’m 53 years old. I have a lot of really good plans. I want to work on issues to make sure our people are well represented.

Question 3: What are the most pressing issues you’re hearing from citizens of the 3rd District?

Pandemic recovery. I released a pandemic recovery plan six week ago. Congress has not done its job for nearly 8 months. I released this because I was frustrated. We need to prioritize workers and not give them barriers to health care. Job training for small businesses. Transformational infrastructure investments. These investments of federal dollars will jump start the economy.

They want leadership who works for them. They want to see their representative working for them.

Question 4: How do we address the mental and emotional issues that are affecting our youth who are struggling with remote learning?

I am a teacher and a mom and I see firsthand how hard it is for my college students who are struggling. I see my daughter and she misses the social interaction. We need to have connectivity with our friends.

We need to treat mental and emotional health issues like physical ailments. A big issue is that a lot of students are just frustrated because they can’t access the Internet. We need to have better broadband, so that all may have access. It’s an equity issue.

Question 5: Regarding the pandemic, is the cure worse than the illness? 

We have to listen to the health experts. It’s been eight months since Congress has passed greater relief. Politicians in DC aren’t really paying attention to what we need. Let’s listen to the public health experts, let’s get DC functioning again. Let’s get through this by following the health guidelines.

Question 6: Are you in favor of a 20 percent tax increase? 

No. These have been debunked. We need to prioritize working families and small businesses in a way that doesn’t increase the debt. 

Question 7: What’s it like being a Democrat that’s married to a Republican?

Being married to a Republican you have to engage, and you need to focus on listening. You always listen to understand rather than listen to respond. If you listen to understand you can find out where someone is coming from. There is more than unites us than divides us. You can to have these conversations carefully. Focus on listening then it can really be incredibly productive. Brian Baird said you have two ears and one mouth. I love these drive in town halls, and I miss those in-person town halls. It’s so rich and so necessary. 

Editor’s Note: When Lacamas Magazine covers political events we do not necessarily endorse or condone the content, positions, or actions being reported on.

Washougal, WA — More than 450 supporters of President Donald Trump and other Republican candidates gathered at Limitless gun store Sunday afternoon to address issues of personal liberty, candidate preferences, pandemic mandates, and their opposition to big government.

Patriot Prayer members Joey Gibson and Michelle Dawson, as well as 49th Legislative District candidate, Justin Forsman, among others, addressed the crowd for about 90 minutes before lining up dozens of vehicles for a two-town caravan.

“Unity is the friend to freedom,” said Gibson. “Do you understand that? That’s why they divide us, and divide us, and divide us even religiously … The truth is we have to unite under a common cause.”

Gibson spoke of a trip to Hong Kong where citizens united under a common cause and said “they worked together they fought together, they bled together, and they were some of the hardest freedom fighters I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I believe we can do that in this country if we wake up and fight for each other.”

”I can’t accomplish things if I don’t have love in my heart,” said Gibson. “I cannot find myself to have hatred for other people who are scared, who are lost, who are hurt. These people who hate me and hate you guys, if you ever see them up close then you can understand the truth. The truth is that you should feel bad for them. They are bleeding on the inside. These people are hurting on the inside, they have so much hate and anger. Something happened to them in their lives, and it’s not worth getting mad, it’s not worth losing sleep over it. I came to pray for these people. Love is the most powerful force in this world.”

Gibson has been a controversial figure in local politics challenging government mandates, as well as ANTIFA and other groups.

Dawson urged supporters to engage more at public events and warned of Portland politics coming into Clark County.

“We are out there, and it’s scary,” said Dawson. “We’re not asking you to be there on the front lines. Mask up, hide your face, so you don’t get doxxed, but stand back hold the line with us because if not Vancouver will become the new Portland. Rise up, stand up with us so we do not lose our freedom. We are not gonna let it happen.”

Forsman said people should be free to wear face masks — or not wear face masks insisting the face mask mandate issued by Governor Jay Inlsee.

“They don’t want us uniting and protesting,” said Forsman. “It’s your right not to wear a mask. Locking down our economy is another example [of government control.]

While the Trump supporters began their caravan, Lacamas Magazine went to interview Black Live Matters supporters at the Camas Safeway, however, they declined. They held BLM signs and shouted justice for Kevin Peterson, Jr., a Vancouver man, who was fatally shot by Vancouver Police last Thursday.

Here’s a video report of Sunday’s events: https://youtu.be/owmn6-7ic_U

The Trump caravan, which had dozens of vehicles, went through downtown Washougal, then headed west toward Camas and through the downtown corridor on 4th Avenue.

The caravan included at least one Democrat who said “I’m a Democrat who is proudly voting for Trump. He’s the right person for these times.”

One passerby said Trump supporters called her a child molester, and was angry the caravan kept honking. Another was upset she was caught in the caravan while driving through 4th Avenue.

The election comes to an end on Tuesday, November 3 as voters go to the polls and votes are tabulated.