Olympia, WA — Washington State House Republicans recently announced ranking member and House committee assignments for the 2021-22 biennium. Eighteenth District Reps. Larry Hoff and Brandon Vick will both serve in leadership roles.

Hoff, R-Vancouver, has been promoted to ranking member of the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee. The committee reviews all legislation related to industrial insurance, unemployment compensation, collective bargaining, family leave, safety and health standards, occupational health, and employment standards.

“After the disastrous performance of the state’s Employment Security Department this year, I look forward to working with my friends in the majority to ensure these mistakes never happen again,” said Hoff. “In order to restore Washingtonians’ trust and ensure the agency is performing as expected, we must enact stricter accountability and transparency measures. The status quo simply cannot continue. The committee will also be tackling a number of other issues important to Washington families and workers. I’m optimistic we’ll be able to work in a bipartisan manner to deliver positive results for those in the 18th District and across the state.”

Hoff will continue serving on the House Appropriations Committee, and is set to join the House College and Workforce Development Committee.

Vick, R-Vancouver, will continue in his role as ranking member of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee. The committee considers an array of consumer protection issues, as well as the safety and soundness of state banks and credit unions, the regulation of consumer credit and lending, and the regulation of securities and investments.

“I am honored to continue in my role as ranking member of the Consumer Protection and Business Committee,” said Vick. “We have a lot of work ahead of us to rectify the tragic impacts of the coronavirus and the associated lockdown orders placed on our small business community. My team and I will work tirelessly to make sure Washington’s business climate is friendly and advantageous, while simultaneously working to support the many small business owners who have struggled so mightily this year.

“I am also eager to continue working on occupational licensing reform. Washington state should be a partner, not an obstacle, when it comes to our neighbors having the opportunity to work in their chosen career path. In order to achieve this goal, I have been working on a slate of bills that will be ready to go on day one of session. I look forward to continued bipartisan support for these efforts.”

Vick will continue serving on the House Finance and Commerce and Gaming committees.

The remote 2021 legislative session will begin Monday, Jan. 11.

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.