Tag Archive for: Politics

, ,

Trump For President Rally Cruises Through Washougal, Camas Sunday

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.

Trump
Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson.

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.

Trump
Black Lives Matter rally at Camas Safeway.
/1 Comment/by
, , ,

POLITICS 2020: Q&A Part 1 With Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler

This is Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Republican who represents Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. Herrera Beutler answers the first four questions in Part 1.

Question 1: What are the most pressing issues you encounter with voters this Fall?

I think the number one thing is health safety, how to manage COVID and economic safety and security. I think it’s only intensifying. We’ve seen unemployment funds run out, and we’ve seen certain industries collapse and others are near collapse. In the next five weeks or so more companies will be out of business. 

We are taking on the stimulus bill. I think we need additional stimulus to get through this. I’m part of a group in Congress called Problem Solvers with 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, and we’re pushing for this. We have to have something to help people. We’re not reopening really and much hasn’t changed on that front. 

One of the challenges we’ve had is there are a lot of presidential politics in play, and it’s disheartening to me. Republicans and Democrats are both out of work. This group is still trying to put pressure on the House and the Senate. My sticking point is that we need unemployment benefits and more Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) money in there. A lot of the moderate Democrats have told Speaker Pelosi we need to put something positive on the table.

Question 2: What is the Problem Solvers Caucus?

It’s a group of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans who work in a bipartisan way to solve big problems, who seek compromise. There is a lot of bipartisan work happening in Congress, it just doesn’t get reported. The Problem Solvers Caucus has driven changes in the minority and majority in our push for compromise. I believe in free markets, and there are so many things that need to be done. We need to be willing to work together on things. 

I do think there are a lot of good people still trying to address major issues in our country.

The Problem Solvers Caucus works under the rules of the majority who rule with brute force. It’s a team sport in the House. We have drafted ways to have the minority have more influence. 

It takes 218 to pass any bill, and there are bills that have more than 218 votes, but if the Pelosi leadership team doesn’t like it they don’t allow it to go to the floor. I think the biggest thing is the pressure from our group is to keep the stimulus talks going. We had enough steam behind it to just not walk away. Because of the pressure Pelosi is still in those conversations with the Trump administration. We have the votes to pass the stimulus bill and they know it. It’s soft power.

Herrera Beutler
www.electlarryhoff.com

Question 3: What are your top legislative priorities in the next Congress should you be re-elected?

First and foremost, we have to make sure we address the health and safety of people here, as well as economic safety. You have to empower the right leaders, like small businesses, into recovery. We need another COVID package. We did the CARES Act, and it needs additional support. 

We have saved 95,000 jobs in the 3rd District because of the CARES Act, which I helped draft. Those figures come from the Small Business Administration (SBA). In my mind, that is stopping the bleeding. We also need put out the unemployment insurance. Carolyn (Long) promises to get rid of the Trump tax cuts, which I think is the wrong approach. Both housing and small businesses will lead our recovery. But, we have to be laser focused on growing jobs. In this pandemic, small businesses are looking for more assistance with PPP. Small businesses don’t want us to raise taxes. My opponent has promised to raise taxes by 20 percent. 

Our hydrosystem has been a priority for me. We have to do something on health care. I am passionate about access to health care. This is part of our working economy. I understand it as a mother as I have a daughter who needed a kidney transplant. We have to replace the ACA because if you need real access it can really limit you. They need access to care. We have to fix that. We need to work on energy, health care, and a good tax and regulatory environment so that small businesses aren’t put on the back end. 

We have to protect trade, as well. It was right to stand up for more fair trade practices. 

Question 4: Why should citizens of this district re-elect you?

I grew up here, that’s part of why I’m a good fit. People here want us to be about solving problems. I know how to move legislation, such as the bill to protect the Columbia River salmon. I was informed that if we didn’t do something about this we would see whole salmon runs go extinct. We worked on this bill for a long time, and by the time we got to the House floor all GOP House members voted for it. I got the administration to sign it.

That’s what I’m good at. I’ve had my own challenges with the Trump administration, but I know because of how I operate I will be successful with any administration. Would Carolyn Long be able to work with the other party? You have to be able to work with people. 

Part 2 addresses more issues, the life of a member of Congress, working with constituents, and navigating political personalities and strategies.

To learn more, visit www.votejaime.com

/1 Comment/by
, ,

POLITICS 2020: Carolyn Long to Host 60th Town Hall in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, WA — On Monday, Carolyn Long, candidate for Congress in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, will host a drive-in town hall at Joe’s Place Farm parking lot to speak with constituents and answer their questions.

Long looks forward to discussing the top issues of the day including the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, the work done to address the pandemic; her priorities and perspective on how to build Southwest Washington for the future, and any other questions the audience may have.

Her campaign staff said Long is committed to transparency and accessibility, and noted this is Carolyn’s 60th town hall since 2018, in-person and virtually. 

Long is running for Congress in Southwest Washington (WA-03) for the 2020 election. She previously was the Democratic nominee for Washington’s 3rd District in 2018. She resides in Vancouver with her family and teaches at WSU-Vancouver. Long has served Southwest Washington for more than 25 years, as a WSU college professor and community leader. 

Monday, October 26th

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Parking spots open at 5:00 p.m)

Joe’s Place Farms

701 NE 112th Avenue

Vancouver, WA 98684

/0 Comments/by
, ,

POLITICS 2020: Q&A With 18th Legislative District Representative Larry Hoff

This is our Question and Answer session with Representative Larry Hoff (LD-18), a Republican who is serving in his first legislative term.

Question 1: Why should the people of the 18th District re-elect you?

It’s my experience. There’s a major difference between being a candidate and the experience of working in the Legislature. I’ve worked hard in the Legislature and I brought my experience leading my credit union, when we faced the 2008-09 recession, to work in Olympia. I know how to cut budgets and work through financial challenges. We need that kind of experience in Olympia now. 

We don’t need a college professor. It’s a tough time for a new candidate to be productive. We need someone with budget writing experience. The state budget is $9 billion in the hole. Unless we allow ourselves to be taxed to death, then we have to cut.

Government continues to grow like the blob that swallowed New York. The whole emphasis in Olympia is more. These are good people, they’re just looking out for their departments, but we can still serve our citizens with less money, less taxation.

Question 2: What have your two years in Olympia taught you?

They taught me that a total one-party control of all the aspects of government is not healthy. The ability to find middle ground and common sense solutions doesn’t exist. I’ve introduced bills with Democrat support. Too many bills are straight line Republican/Democrat. If there was more of an ability to form again some compromise solutions the state would be better off. I believe in that strongly. 

It’s too easy to believe one party’s opinions are always right and that there’s no middle ground. 

In 2017-18 there was a GOP majority coalition. Right now, they have 57-41 so some moderate Democrats have been voting with the Republicans. They can let two or three of their moderate Democrats off the hook. Right now the Democrat caucus is split. If we were closer those discussions would have to be stronger. It’s healthy to have stronger dialogue.

If I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that a majority/minority split makes a big difference. We have factions of the local GOP party that want a Democrat to represent the 18th LD (referring to the Senator Ann Rivers race).

Ann is still a Republican. We need those numbers to balance this whole structure out. If my seat went to a Democrat that would give them a supermajority, which leaves GOP without a real voice in the House. We have some districts where the GOP may take back more seats. We need a more balanced House.

Question 3: What are you seeing in the district as a result of the pandemic?

I’m worried about the mental and emotional well-being of our citizens. Store owners are just trying to figure out what is happening here. When can we get some hope? The science doesn’t support continued partial shutdown.

I met with all superintendents in Clark County and they want everyone back in school, too. They are having challenges with teacher’s unions. There are statistics that suggest a very large percentage of students who didn’t open a laptop in the Spring once they were home bound. 

What they lose is their interaction. You lose the interaction from the instructors and the teachers. Online learning affects parents and the economic impact of that happening.  Mom and dad can’t be at work. It comes back to the emotional leg of the stool on top of all this.

The virus isn’t seriously affecting people that are healthy. We need to open up the rest of our society. I know that our Governor is responding to a small faction of advisors, which is not the Democrat legislature. Key Democrats are calling for a special session, which requires 2/3 of the legislature. There are currently 25 Democrats willing to go against the Governor.  

We need a leader that gives us some hope. I’m just not seeing that from our Governor. He’s very partisan, more so than previous Democratic governors.

Hoff
Rep. Larry Hoff at a #camasunites check delivery benefitting the Camas Food Pantry.

Question 4: What is your position on SW Washington transportation issues?

An efficient and viable transportation system is essential for the economic and social well-being of our community. One of our region’s biggest transportation challenges is addressing the congestion associated with crossing the Columbia River. Whether making this crossing for commuting to work, engaging in commerce, or for entertainment/social reasons, our citizens are spending far too much of their precious time in traffic. There is no one easy fix to this problem, but rather a series of immediate and long-term decisions and actions.

Our local State Legislators have initiated the first step to disentangle this knot by coming together and passing legislation that begins the process of replacing the inadequate and outmoded I-5 bridge. They also, in this legislation, provided a pathway to address the very real long-term need to begin the discussion and planning for additional crossings and corridors for the future.

I whole heartedly support these efforts, and look forward, as your next State Representative of the 18th District, to collaborating with the rest of our local delegation (and Oregon, who now seems willing to join us at the table) in the pursuit of solving our transportation challenges.

Question 5: What’s your position on taxes?

I believe that we already pay enough taxes within a variety of categories. I also believe that many elements of our state government can be examined with the objective of saving taxpayer dollars. My business background gives me the ability to dig into cost cutting objectives while making sure that when we spend money for essential services, it is done in a fiscally responsible manner.

To learn more Hoff and his campaign, visit www.electlarryhoff.com

/0 Comments/by
, ,

POLITICS 2020: Q&A With 18th Legislative District Candidate Donna Sinclair

This is our interview with Donna Sinclair, a Democratic candidate running for Washington’s Legislative District 18, Position 2.

Question 1: What are the top reasons you are running for office?

My top reasons are related to watching the partisanship divide all around our community, and I want to bridge the gap between the GOP and Democrats. I’m prepared to do it. 

I am super resistant to labels, I care about this district. I care about the future of Clark County. I’ve done a lot of work with the Clark County Historical Museum. If we talk to each other one-on-one, then we can put aside the partisan blinders. What matters is our families, our jobs, our health care. I think I can bring people together. I don’t like the labels.

My family is very Libertarian, especially my East Coast family.

I want to start with building a vocational technical center out in the north part of Clark County. That will help us. I currently serve on the Washougal School Board. I know what’s happening at all levels. I want to build this center as an infrastructure investment. That would be a priority for me for a lot of reasons. 

We need to improve our infrastructure, increase broadband capacity so people have better access to the Internet. Affordable health care is a priority. 

We need an economy that will work for all of us. My background is from a working class family. I grew up waiting tables. I know what it’s like to be a waitress. I will advocate for small businesses.

Question 2: How does your experience qualify you for this position?

I’m an Oral Historian and ran a business out of my home, and I’ve juggled multiple part time jobs, so health care is a big deal for me. I will advocate for health care. Right now, I have health care because I teach at Western Oregon University and that’s very helpful.

The state passed the public option last year, and that was a good thing. My opponent voted against it. Those are the kinds of things we need to do with this complex health care system that is such a mess. The cost of insurance has gotten really high. 

Question 3: How do we get past this pandemic?

I see that most people are wearing face masks, but not everyone is wearing them, and some aren’t wearing them correctly — pulled down below the noses. Most of transmission is happening in small groups. I see people in small groups taking photos, but they get spread and don’t even know it. We are living it right now. We know what the patterns are. 

Question 4: You work as an Oral Historian. What does your job entail?

An Oral Historian is someone who records the memory of people about past experiences. It’s a great job, I love it. As a young single mom and I went to school and learned about public history and I made money by transcribing oral history interviews. I ran major oral history programs. I have learned so much. They go into archives and get preserved for hundreds of years. 

Question 5: What has serving on the Washougal School Board taught you?

I have been there since 2017 and I think that it’s prepared me to understand the complexity of education funding. I know what it’s like to have a child here in this school district. These are the kinds of experiences I can add to the table. I see how it works.

Question 6: Why should citizens of the 18th Legislative District vote for you?

I hope that people will consider voting for me because I understand communities. I have a working class background that is combined with policy education. I have lived through poverty, a lack of access to health care, and I think I can hear people differently than perhaps other legislators that haven’t experienced those things. 

I want us to be able to work together. 

I think it would be beneficial to the 18th to have a Democrat in the legislature who could bring issues on behalf of our district to the majority party. I think I would be able to work with Ann Rivers (if she wins), because I’ve met her. She’s a former teacher and has been willing to work across party lines when it benefits the public. I appreciate that. I think that would be possible because, as a school board member, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with her several times and have had experiences in which we seemed to be connecting on issues that could help with problem solving. I think it would be possible to get to know one another better and put forward some legislation that would benefit the district. 

You have to listen to people. We have to recognize people are human. We need to see across the spectrum regardless of who we talk to you. 

Question 7: What is your position on transportation issues?

Transportation is another reason I think it would be beneficial to have a Democrat in the 18th – to bring the resources back to the district. I know that bipartisan efforts have begun on the I-5 bridge. That needs to continue. I’d like to see an east county bridge to Gresham, eventually, but it doesn’t just happen because we say we want it. That sort of long-term transportation planning requires developing partnership relationships across the river and getting buy-in. I understand those planning processes and would initiate it when elected. As someone who has spent hours sitting on the bridge, wasting my time and money, I am committed to doing what it takes to reduce the waste. 

To learn more, visit www.sinclair4state.com

/0 Comments/by
, ,

POLITICS 2020: Long Campaign Raises More Than $1.24 Million in Third Quarter

Vancouver, WA — Today, the Carolyn Long for Congress campaign announced that Carolyn Long raised more than $1.24 million during the third quarter of 2020 — bringing the total raised for the cycle to $3.5 million.

 The Long campaign emphasized they continue to raise significant resources without taking corporate PAC money. This quarter, the campaign was able to raise money from thousands of contributions — over 72 percent of which were local — reflecting a “strong, sustained grassroots support for Carolyn’s candidacy and her campaign to represent Southwest Washington in Congress.”

“Another impressive fundraising quarter continues to show the incredible grassroots support for Carolyn Long in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. The district is ready for a fresh start and Carolyn is ready to deliver for the people of Southwest Washington,” said Abby Olmstead, Campaign Manager. 

“In these incredibly difficult times, politics-as-usual in D.C. just won’t cut it anymore—and folks in Southwest Washington recognize that,” said Long. “Washington’s Third Congressional District needs a leader who will put people over politics. Unlike my opponent, I will never take a dime of corporate PAC money. And the people of Southwest Washington will never have to wait in line behind a corporate lobbyist to talk to me.”

Carolyn Long is running for Congress in Southwest Washington (WA-03) for the 2020 election. She previously was the Democratic nominee for Washington’s 3rd District in 2018. She resides in Vancouver with her family and teaches at WSU-Vancouver. Long has served Southwest Washington for more than 25 years, as a WSU college professor and community leader. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Clark County Residents: Here’s How to Register to Vote

Registering to vote in Clark County is pretty simple, and there are several ways to do it. The Clark County Elections Office provides many options. To register to vote in Clark County, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be 18 years old by the day of the next election
  • Be a resident of Clark County
  • Not be disqualified from voting due to a court order
  • Not be under Department of Corrections supervision for a Washington felony conviction

There are three ways to register to vote:

  1. Online if you have a Washington State ID or Driver’s License
     
  2. In Person at the Clark County Elections Office at 1408 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA (map)
     
  3. By Mail with a voter registration form available by mail or download from the Office of the Secretary of State, or you may find them at the following locations:
  • Library branches
  • Public schools
  • City and town halls
  • Auto licensing subagencies
  • Driver licensing offices – register to vote when you apply for your driver license

You must provide all of the following information when you register to vote:

  • Legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Residential address in Clark County
  • Mailing address, if not the same as residential address
  • Washington driver license number, ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Signature

Registration deadlines during an election

If you are currently registered to vote in Washington state and would like to register to vote in Clark County: You may register to vote online, in person, or by mail up to 8 days before Election Day. If you miss the 8-day cutoff, you must come in person to our office at 1408 Franklin Street in Vancouver to register.  You have until 8 pm on election night to register to vote or update your address for the current election.

If you are not currently registered to vote in Washington state: You may register to vote online, in, or by mail up to 8 days before Election Day. If you miss the 8-day cutoff, you may register to vote up to 8 pm on Election Day as long as you fill out and submit your registration form in person at the Clark County Elections Office. 

Vote
www.arktana.com
/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Clark County’s Largest Newspaper Endorses Long Campaign For Congress

VANCOUVER, WA —Carolyn Long, candidate for Congress in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, received a political endorsement from The Columbian, which serves Vancouver and greater Clark County. 

“Our recommendation hinges on Long’s demonstrated ability to meet with and listen to constituents throughout the district; her understanding of economic policy; and her understanding of Congress’ role in holding the executive branch accountable,” the paper editorial board said. 

The Columbian concluded that she was the “superior choice to represent the Third.” Read the full endorsement from The Columbian below.  

“I am honored to receive The Columbian’s endorsement for the second time,” said Long. “In Congress, I will fight hard every day to bring affordable healthcare, family-wage jobs, and will only work for Southwest Washington. We desperately need new leadership to guide us out of this economic and public health crisis. And we need a leader who will listen. I will continue to listen to Southwest Washington by holding town halls, roundtable conversations on policy issues, and Coffees with Carolyn in our community.”

Abby Olmstead, Campaign Manager said, “Like many Southwest Washingtonians, The Columbian recognizes that our leadership has failed us. Small businesses continue to close, people are out of work, and our infrastructure is crumbling, all while D.C. politicians prioritize their corporate donors over their own constituency. It’s clearer than ever that it’s time for a change.”

Read the full endorsement below: 

Although each will try to portray the other as an extremist, congressional candidates Carolyn Long and Jaime Herrera Beutler are relatively moderate representatives of their parties. Each is capable of being an effective voice for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, and each has demonstrated a strong understanding of the issues that impact our region.

The Columbian Editorial Board recommends a vote for Democratic challenger Carolyn Long against Herrera Beutler, the Republican incumbent. As always, this is merely a recommendation; The Columbian trusts that voters will study the candidates and the issues before casting an informed ballot.

Our recommendation hinges on Long’s demonstrated ability to meet with and listen to constituents throughout the district; her understanding of economic policy; and her understanding of Congress’ role in holding the executive branch accountable.

Long, a political science professor who lost to Herrera Beutler by 5 percentage points two years ago, built her 2018 campaign on a series of town hall meetings. That strategy has been hampered this year by social distancing, but it reflects her willingness to engage with constituents ranging from Goldendale to Long Beach. Herrera Beutler has not held an in-person town hall since early 2017, opting instead to answer selected questions on conference calls.

Long also demonstrates a strong understanding of economics. During a joint interview with the editorial board, Herrera Beutler defended the tax cuts and spending increases she supported in 2018, inaccurately claiming that the federal deficit was decreasing before the pandemic scuttled the economy. Long said: “We were told two years ago that the Republicans’ tax plan was going to pay for itself. We learned that within a year, a trillion dollars was added to the federal debt. That’s money that my daughter is going to pay for.”

Herrera Beutler also lauds President Trump’s economic policies and tariffs. Those policies devastated American farming prior to the pandemic, with taxpayers shelling out $28 billion in aid to farmers over two years.

Meanwhile, Herrera Beutler revealed to the editorial board that she plans to vote for Trump in his bid for reelection. In 2016, she declined to support Trump and says she voted for then-Rep. Paul Ryan as a write-in candidate. Last year, she voted against the House of Representatives’ impeachment of the president, at one point calling the proceedings a “farce.”

Regarding checks and balances, Long said, “Congress needs to reassert itself.”

Herrera Beutler has some strong selling points to warrant a sixth term in Washington, D.C. Those include a genuine ability to work in a bipartisan fashion and to focus on the needs of Southwest Washington. She has been active in trying to reduce sea lion predation on salmon in the Columbia River and in developing measures to reduce maternal mortality. Her work often focuses on health care issues, but we disagree with her frequent votes to overturn the Affordable Care Act without offering a viable alternative. For her part, Long supports strengthening the Affordable Care Act but does not support Medicare-for-all.

It is impossible to paint a complete picture of either candidate’s positions in a single editorial, and we recommend that voters do their homework rather than believe what they see in TV ads. Video of The Columbian’s interview is available online, and both candidates have agreed to debate on Oct. 9.

But in our opinion, Carolyn Long is the superior choice to represent Washington’s 3rd Congressional District.

/3 Comments/by
,

3rd Congressional Candidate Long Releases Pandemic Recovery Plan

VANCOUVER, WA — Last Thursday, Carolyn Long, candidate for Congress in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, released her Pandemic Recovery Plan alongside three community leaders who endorsed her plan. 

READ: CAROLYN LONG’S PANDEMIC RECOVERY PLAN

Carolyn Long announced at a press conference on Facebook Live her vision for Southwest Washington’s recovery from the economic and public health crises facing the county. Long’s plan outlines relief, calling for immediate expansion of unemployment insurance; and long-term relief through infrastructure investments and a prioritization of small businesses and working families. 

“With expanded unemployment benefits that expired over a month ago, tens of millions jobless, and small businesses shuttered, Congress, and Jaime Herrera Beutler, have failed to do their job and pass new relief measures to help families and small businesses,” said Long.

Long was joined by three community leaders representing local unions, health care, and small businesses. Deken Letinich, a lifelong Southwest Washingtonian and third generation member of LiUNA Local 335, endorsed the plan and sees it as an investment in working Washington families like his own.

Terri Niles, a Vancouver critical care nurse currently working at the Oregon Health and Science University Covid Task Force offered her endorsement.

“Healthcare workers need help in this fight against COVID-19. Carolyn’s plan does that,” she said. 

Chris Thobaben, a father, marine, and small-business owner, said that this plan is an important investment in working families.

Long’s full plan includes the following recommendations:

  • Extend the unemployment insurance expansion
  • Give schools access to the resources they need to reopen safely
  • Invest in local infrastructure to employ those out of work and set the conditions in place for a robust economy
  • Strengthen and prioritize the small business recovery
  • Invest in job training for those out of work or employed in industries negatively affected by the pandemic
  • Increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour
  • Ensure affordable child care for all families and a robust child care industry, while expanding to universal Pre-K 
  • Expand paid sick and family leave
  • Impose a moratorium on consumer and small business debt collection – including student loan debt – for the duration of this crisis
  • Ensure strong oversight of recovery funding to ensure aid goes where it’s needed most 
  • Protect The Affordable Care Act and create a public option that will provide quality and affordable health coverage to any American that wants it 
  • Strengthen our rural health care system, and protect rural hospitals
  • Boost public health funding and responsibly manage infectious disease programs to ensure we are prepared for future threats and to stop the next pandemic before it starts

Carolyn Long is running for Congress in Southwest Washington (WA-03) for the 2020 election. She previously was the Democratic nominee for Washington’s 3rd District in 2018. She resides in Vancouver with her family and teaches at WSU-Vancouver.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Politics 2020: Updated Washington, Clark County Primary Election Results

Vancouver, WA — The Clark County Elections Office provided an update to the August 4, 2020 Primary and Special Elections Results. Here’s a breakdown of many of the races, which provides a preview of the Fall campaign.

  • Number of precincts (county wide): 314
  • Number of registered voters: 303,702
  • Total ballots counted: 112,549
  • Estimated ballots left to count: 37,000
  • Voter turnout: 37.06%

Congressional District 3 U.S. Representative Race (full district tally)

  • Carolyn Long (Democrat): 70,322 votes; 40.85%
  • Jaime Herrera Beutler (Republican): 94,798 votes; 55.07%

Governor’s Race (statewide tally)

  • Jay Inslee (Democrat): 744,977 votes; 51.26%
  • Loren Culp (Republican): 245,642 votes; 16.93%
  • Tim Eyman (Republican): 100,883 votes; 6.95%

Lt. Governor 

  • Denny Heck (Democrat): 380,453 votes; 27.23%
  • Mark Liias (Democrat): 234,908 votes; 16.81%

Secretary of State

  • Kim Wyman (Republican): 57,062 votes; 52.14%
  • Gael Tarleton (Democrat): 46,075 votes; 42.1%

Washington State Treasurer

  • Duane Davidson (Republican): 55,387 votes; 51.02%
  • Mike Pellicciotti (Democrat): 53,048 votes; 48.86%
Mesa
www.lilyatelier.com

Legislative District 17 State Senator

  • Daniel Smith (Democrat): 14,901 votes; 45.16%
  • Lynda Wilson (Republican): 18,039 votes; 54.67%

Legislative District 17 State Representative, Position 1

  • Tanisha Harris (Democrat): 15,617 votes; 47.19%
  • Vicki Kraft (Republican): 17,440 votes; 52.7%

Legislative District 17 State Representative, Position 2

  • Paul Harris (Republican): 18,181 votes; 65.94%
  • Bryan White (Republican): 7,864 votes; 28.52%

Legislative District 18 State Senator

  • John Ley (Republican): 11,221 votes; 28.24%
  • Ann Rivers (Republican): 12,800 votes; 32.21%
  • Rick Bell (Democrat): 15,680 votes; 39.46%

Legislative District 18 State Representative, Position 1

  • Brandon Vick (Republican): 23,561 votes; 59.67%
  • Kassandra Bessert (Democrat): 15,865 votes; 40.18%

Legislative District 18 State Representative, Position 2

  • Donna Sinclair (Democrat):17,589 votes; 44.39%
  • Larry Hoff (Republican): 21,972 votes; 55.46%

Legislative District 49 State Senator

  • Annette Cleveland (Democrat): 19,078 votes; 59.25%
  • Rey Reynolds (Republican): 13,070 votes; 40.6%

County Councilor District 3

  • Jesse James (Democrat): 7,456 votes; 33.52%
  • John Blom (No Party): 4,990 votes; 22.43%
  • Karen Bowerman (Republican): 9,745 votes; 43.81%

County Councilor District 4

  • Gary Medvigy (Republican): 17,695 votes; 59.62%
  • Matt Little (Independent): 11,834 votes; 39.87%
/1 Comment/by