Tag Archive for: Politics

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez to Host Service Academy Open House in Clark County

VANCOUVER, WA –Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced she will be hosting a Service Academy Open House in Clark County.

The event will take place on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 4-5:30 pm at the Vancouver Community Library’s Columbia Room, located at 901 C Street, Vancouver, Washington 98660.

At the event, Southwest Washington high school students and their families will be able to learn more about pursuing a career in our nation’s Armed Forces and meet with representatives from the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies.

High school juniors, or anyone 17-22 years of age residing in Washington’s Third District, are now able to apply for a service academy nomination from Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez through her website. Completed applications must be submitted by November 12, 2024 and applicants will be scheduled for interviews shortly after.

“One of my most important duties as a Member of Congress is to nominate the next generation of young leaders to our nation’s military service academies. This past cycle, I nominated some truly outstanding students from across Southwest Washington,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’m holding this open house for young people to hear about the differences between academies, what makes a strong candidate, and the application process for securing a nomination.”

This will be the Congresswoman’s third Service Academy Open House, and the second held in 2024. Earlier this year, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez nominated students from across Southwest Washington who are now attending service academies.

The Congresswoman’s team always stands ready to support students with the application process. Those with questions not listed in the FAQs are encouraged to reach out online, by phone at (360) 695-6292, or in person at her Vancouver or Kelso offices.

/0 Comments/by
,

Gluesenkamp Perez, Bacon Introduce Amendment to Balance Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced a bipartisan Constitutional amendment that would require the President and Congress to deliver balanced budgets every year by preventing the federal government from spending more money than it receives in tax revenue. 

Earlier this month, the United States government’s debt surpassed $35 trillion for the first time in history. Under this amendment, any appropriations legislation that adds to the national debt must pass with a three-fifths majority vote from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It also requires that the President’s proposed budgets be balanced.

The amendment includes provisions that protect essential safety nets such as Social Security and Medicare payments, as well as maintain existing debt payments to avoid default. 

“As our national debt surpasses $35 trillion and folks across Southwest Washington face the impacts of high costs, our federal government needs to reign in our deficit, balance our budgets, and be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. We haven’t had a balanced budget in more than 20 years, and it’s time for Congress to end this reckless cycle,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Our bipartisan balanced budget amendment will make it harder for the federal government to spend more than it brings in, while protecting vital programs our communities depend on. It’s how we get back on track to cut government waste, reduce our deficit, and avoid passing more debt onto our children.”

“Families across our nation spend within their means and keep a budget, especially during these challenging times. The federal government should also have to maintain a balanced budget,” said Rep. Bacon. “This legislation would require the President’s proposed budgets to be balanced while protecting Social Security and Medicare.”

In May, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez was recognized as a 2024 Fiscal Hero for leading bipartisan efforts to take on the national debt, and she has repeatedly urged her colleagues to work toward fiscal stability. Earlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan Comprehensive Congressional Budget Act to create a more efficient and effective process for Congress to determine our nation’s spending and revenue.

Full text of the amendment is available here.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Election 2024: Primary Preliminary Results in; Gluesenkamp Perez, Kent Win

Vancouver, WA — The Clark County Elections Office released the preliminary results of the August 6, 2024 primary election, and here are the results:

U.S. Representative, District 3

Leslie Lewallen (R): 8,984 12.00%

Joe Kent (R): 25,587 34.18%

John Saulie-Rohman (I): 1,813 2.42%

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D): 38,482 51.40%

Legislative Candidates, District 17

State Senator:

Paul Harris (R): 10,508 49.36%

Marla Keethler (D): 10,782 50.64%

State Representative, Position 1

Kevin Waters (R): 12,890 100.00%

State Representative, Position 2

Hannah Joy (R): 5,080 23.94%

David Stuebe (R): 5,593 26.36%

Terri Niles:(D): 10,548 49.71%

Legislative Candidates, District 18

State Senator:

Greg Cheney (R): 5,505 22.40%

Brad Benton (R): 7,554 30.74%

Adrian Cortes (D): 11,517 46.86%

State Representative, Position 1

Stephanie McClintock (R): 13,317 54.74%

Deken Letinich (D): 11,009 45.26%

State Representative, Position 2

John Ley (R): 9,362 38.28%

Phillip L. Johnson (R): 3,269 13.37%

John Zingale (D): 11,824 48.35%

City of Camas, Prop 4: 

Approved: 3,020 67.71%

Rejected: 1,440 32.29%

This proposition would authorize the City to acquire land and construct and equip a new fire station, renovate an existing fire station and acquire a new fire engine to improve fire safety throughout the City.

Elections Office Audit

The Clark County Elections Office said “Beginning at 10 am Wednesday, Aug. 7, elections officials will perform a hand count of approximately 600 ballots randomly selected as part of a manual comparison against machine results.”

For this comparison, approximately 600 ballots from the 3rd Congressional District race will be counted by hand, to check the accuracy of the ballot tabulation equipment. The selected ballots will be counted in the total returns on Election Day. 

All active registered voters are eligible to vote in this election. If a voter has not received their ballot, they should contact the Elections Office at 564.397.2345 or [email protected]. 

A voter may download a replacement ballot at VoteWA.gov. Sign in using your name and date of birth. Click “Your Ballot and Voting Materials” and then click “Get a Replacement Ballot.” The voter must print the declaration sheet and ballot and return it by following the instructions.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

August 6 is Primary Election Day: Here Are The Ballot Drop Off Box Locations

Vancouver, WA — According to the Clark County Elections Office, if you wish to return your voted ballot in person on or before Election Day take it to:

Clark County Elections Office (1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver), available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to 8 pm on Election Day.

Or return your voted ballot to one of the 22 red permanent ballot drop boxes, available 24 hours a day starting 18 days before an election until 8 pm on Election Day.

Clark County Locations: 

Vancouver Locations:

/0 Comments/by

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Issues Statement on President Biden’s Campaign Exit

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Sunday, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden:

“My prayers are with the President and his family. I’m sure this was not an easy decision for him to make, and I believe he made it with the national interest in mind.

“My job is to represent everyone in Southwest Washington, and most of them do not have confidence in the President’s fitness to serve. They deserve to have their confidence restored.”

Gluesenkamp Perez was one of the first Democrats calling for Biden to step down given her concerns about his health and fitness to do the job.

Biden has endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris to be his successor as the Democratic Party nominee.

Who do you think should succeed Biden as the Democratic Party nominee?

/0 Comments/by
,

Congressional Candidate Lewallen Barnstorms State During Weekend Tour

Camas, WA — This weekend, Leslie Lewallen, candidate for Washington’s Third Congressional District, barnstormed Southwest Washington, meeting hundreds of voters in every corner of the district. Following the tour, Lewallen released the following statement:

“This weekend, we visited more than twenty communities in the Third Congressional District, traveling between every corner of the district and holding meet and greets, visiting local businesses, farmers markets, restaurants, breweries, and festivals. On the trail, I am hearing one consistent message from voters – they are ready for a Conservative leader who they can trust to fight with President Trump and get stuff done in Washington. The Third Congressional District can’t trust Joe Kent, but they can trust me.”

What issues are Lewallen’s top priorities?

I am running for Congress in Washington’s third congressional district to bring sanity back to our crime-ridden streets, our schools, and our economy. When I’m elected, I will focus on securing the border and restoring law and order, putting parents in the driver’s seat of their children’s education, getting our country back on track, and making America affordable again.

You can learn more about Lewallen’s campaign at www.leslieforwashington.com

/0 Comments/by
, ,

3rd Congressional District Candidate Lewallen Responds to Endorsement

Camas, WA — Third District Congressional candidate and Camas City Councilor, Leslie Lewallen, a Republican, was recently endorsed by The Columbian.

Lewallen answered Lacamas Magazine questions about the endorsement.

1) What are your thoughts about this op-ed?

I am honored to have the endorsement of The Columbian. This is proof that the more people learn about my campaign, the more they support us! 

2) The Columbian says your GOP opponent flip flops on his views. Do you agree with that assessment? If so, can you point out some of this flip flops?

Southwest Washington families can’t trust Joe Kent. His views change with the breeze and he is more concerned about getting to Congress for his own personal gain. Don’t forget that he has said he wants to defund the police and supports Medicare for All. 

I’m different – I saw a problem in my community and I got to work fixing it on the Camas City Council and will continue that fight in Congress. 

3) The Columbian says you’re delivering for Washington. Please elaborate on that.

As a sitting Camas City Councilor, I’ve worked tirelessly to balance the needs of the city with the desires of its citizens. People are worried by rising prices, our wide-open southern border, and the homelessness crisis impacting our communities. On the City Council, I’ve fought for Southwest Washington to stop our out-of-control spending, put more money into families pockets, and stop the fentanyl epidemic destroying our community. 

4) Why are you the better poised to face Congresswoman Marie Glusenkamp Perez in the general election?

Marie Glusenkamp Perez is anti-parent, anti-small business, anti-police and pro-Antifa. She even said that no one is worried about our southern border crisis. But people are worried. I heard first-hand at my town hall on Washington’s fentanyl crisis from families that have lost children and loved one’s from drugs crossing our southern border. In November, we have to elect a fighter with a proven track record of success and I know I’m the right woman for the job. I love Southwest Washington and our community deserves better. 

Unfortunately, my opponent lost in 2022 and he will lose again in November. History is not on Joe’s side. There has been no federal rematches with a flipped outcome in the past 30 years. Lots of Republicans don’t believe him and don’t trust him. They think he is too extreme and don’t understand his values. I’m the only conservative in this race. 

5) What issues are your top priorities?

I am running for Congress in Washington’s third congressional district to bring sanity back to our crime-ridden streets, our schools, and our economy. When I’m elected, I will focus on securing the border and restoring law and order, putting parents in the driver’s seat of their children’s education, getting our country back on track, and making America affordable again.

You can learn more about Lewallen’s campaign at www.leslieforwashington.com

/0 Comments/by
,

Two Dead, Including an Apparent Shooter, at Trump Rally in Pennsylvania

Former president Donald Trump was rushed off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, PA after shots were heard minutes after the rally began. Trump was having his audience look at a large screen to his right, explaining data, when he put his hand to his right ear and ducked after the first of several pops. Secret Service agents surrounded him and took him off the stage, his face streaked with what appeared to be blood. Trump raised his fist a couple times shouting “fight, fight, fight,” before being taken by Secret Service to a local hospital.

Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said two people are dead, including the apparent shooter, according to the Associated Press.

The Secret Service said “the former president is safe.” Trump’s campaign said he is being treated.

Many witnesses heard several shots.

This was Trump’s last rally before the Republican National Convention begins in Milwaukee, WI on Monday. There was also speculation Trump was going to name his Vice Presidential pick this evening.

Former President Barack Obama said: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) posted on social media that he was sending his “thoughts and prayers” to former president Trump.

“I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable,” he tweeted.

Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy said: ”Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”

Photo credit: NBC News

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Congressional Candidate Lewallen Releases Agenda to Solve Drug Epidemic

Camas, WA — Third Congressional District candidate and Camas City Council member, Leslie Lewallen, a Republican, today released her agenda on solving the region’s drug epidemic.

In her statement, she said “Fentanyl and dangerous drugs have invaded the Evergreen State and have created a dangerous epidemic that is destroying families and killing our kids. In 2023, the DEA removed 4.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl in Washington state and over 1,700 people lost their lives due to overdoses in Washington – a 37% increase. We have to acknowledge that our drug epidemic is a result of our wide-open southern border.”

Lewallen said that fentanyl and dangerous opioids come across the southern border, up the Interstate 5 corridor, and into our communities. 

“President Biden and his Democratic cronies like Marie Gluesenkamp Perez are responsible for our border crisis and under their rule, Washington is a border state. They have cut laws to secure our border and support our brave border patrol agents and are standing by as these poisons enter our communities.

“Last week, I met with these parents during a town hall in Camas. I heard the heartbreaking stories of the murders of their children and the devastating effects that fentanyl and other deadly drugs have wrought on their families. I discussed my agenda to close our southern border, give victims the resources they need, and take back Southwestern Washington from the drugs that have infiltrated us”.

Lewallen’s Agenda

  • Secure our southern border and implement President Trump’s policies including “Remain in Mexico” policy, support our border patrol agents, and build the wall. 
  • Implement a 30-day grace period where insurance companies have to provide care before they can deny it. 
  • Require healthcare centers to be proactive and reach out to those struggling with addiction with resources and ensure that a detox process is complete before being released. Private facilities will take “pro bono” cases to help people – not just the ones with money.
  • Hold drug dealers accountable with harsher sentencing and work with the District Attorney’s office to ensure prosecution. 

To learn more about Lewallen’s campaign, click here.

/0 Comments/by

Gluesenkamp Perez Announces 2024 Congressional App Challenge

Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced that her office is accepting applications for the 2024 Congressional App Challenge.

The competition encourages students to build hands-on experience in computer science through building their own app. Students can use any programming language and platform, and there are no limits on theme or topic.

To be eligible to participate, students must be in middle or high school at the time of submission and reside or attend school in Washington’s 3rd District. Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their skills, build new ones, and develop creative solutions to problems facing our district and world,” said Gluesenkamp Perez.“I can’t wait to see what our talented students in Southwest Washington come up with.”

Winners will be selected by a local panel of judges, and their app will be eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on House.gov. Winning students will also be invited to a Congressional App Challenge reception in Washington, DC.

Students entering the competition should submit their application by October 24, 2024 at 9 am PST at congressionalappchallenge.us.

Full entry requirements can be found here.

/0 Comments/by