Washington state megathread

[Meeker]

The idea polls really well and McKenna probably would've attacked him over it. Why give McKenna that opportunity? (Especially when Inslee won't face a primary so there'll be no criticism from the left).

[Ogre Mage]

What's the likelihood the Washington AG/SOS positions are won by Democrats in 2012?

The less of a bench they get, the better.

I am optimistic about AG.  After a Survey USA poll showed Ferguson leading 39-34, a poll came out from Moore Information showing the race a dead heat.  Moore Information is a GOP push polling outfit which consistently shows Republican favored results.  Also, Ferguson agreed to a debate request from the King County Bar Association while Dunn turned it down.  While limiting debates is a classic incumbent strategy, this race is for an open seat and there is nothing to suggest Dunn has a big advantage.  It looks like he is either lazy or running scared.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

http://publicola.com/2011/10/27/speaking-of-budget-woes/

The SoS race looks chaotic because of the number of people running.  I am less confident about that race.

[bgwah]

^ Are there lots of people running for SoS? I only knew of Kastama and Wyman.

I think Wyman will win.

[Meeker]

Zach Hudgins and Kathleen Drew have both announced their candidacies as well.

[bgwah]

Kathleen Drew??? My old state Senator? She's still around? lol!

Still seems like Wyman is favored, though.

[Meeker]

Here's something... amusing. The vote on the pot initiative in Tacoma had 42,000 votes cast in total; both citywide council races only had 36,000 votes.

(46,000 ballots were returned citywide).

[bgwah]

Gregoire's proposing a sales tax hike referendum for March.

Obviously it would be rejected, no?

[Meeker]

Probably, but maybe not. That estate tax thing in 2006 went the way of the pro-tax side when it was focused entirely on education funding. And unlike the food/candy tax initiative there may not be an obvious constituency geared up to oppose this with force ("force" equals lots and lots of $$$). I think the campaign will matter.

[Meeker]

Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt is supposed to announce whether he'll run for Congress next week. Leavitt would be close to the worst possible candidate Democrats could nominate (though it's not even clear if Leavitt would run as a Democrat).

http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/nov/19/leavitt-eyes-pros-cons-of-taking-on-herrera-beutle/

[bgwah]

It seems unlikely that we'll win the new WA-3. Would be kind of amusing to see Leavitt lose, at least?

[Meeker]

Something worth mentioning: Starting at midnight tonight, McKenna won't be able to fundraise until sometime in March due to the freeze on state officials raising money during legislative sessions.

Inslee is free to raise money during this time period.

[Fuzzybigfoot]

Something worth mentioning: Starting at midnight tonight, McKenna won't be able to fundraise until sometime in March due to the freeze on state officials raising money during legislative sessions.

Inslee is free to raise money during this time period.

   

[Seattle]

Something worth mentioning: Starting at midnight tonight, McKenna won't be able to fundraise until sometime in March due to the freeze on state officials raising money during legislative sessions.

Inslee is free to raise money during this time period.

   

Not good for McKenna, but I'm sure third party groups will be waiting in line to donate once the session ends.

[Jackson]

Thank God. Perhaps I'll stop seeing ads to donate to him on every site I go.

[Ogre Mage]

Phillip Yin has backed out on running against Cantwell --

http://www.king5.com/news/politics/GOP-Senate-hopeful-bows-out-of-race-132672318.html

Looks like Baumgartner is going to be her challenger.

[greenforest32]

Another SurveyUSA poll for Washington: http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=baa19978-df0f-4904-827b-65df44d845fb

1. 3-yr 0.5% sales tax increase: 47% support, 47% oppose, 6% not sure

2. Legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana with a 25% purchase tax: 57% support, 39% oppose, 4% not sure

3. Same-sex marriage options: 40% support marriage, 32% support civil unions, 24% want no legal recognition

4. 2012 Governor: 44% McKenna, 38% Inslee, 17% undecided

5. 2012 Senate: Various, Cantwell winning all

[CultureKing]

Those are great marijuana numbers. Although their marriage questions is basically worthless the way they phrased it.

[CultureKing]

Gregoire petitions the DEA to declassify Marijuana as an illegal drug:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016900602_marijuana01m.html

Implications for the pot legalization effort next year?

[Meeker]

I doubt the DEA will respond within the next year. Last time this was put in it took them almost a decade.

[bgwah]

My precinct results:

I-1183
196 Yes (57.3%)
146 No (42.7%)

I-1125
225 No (69.2%)
100 Yes (30.8%)

I-1163
188 Yes (56.8%)
143 No (43.2%)

SJR 8205
271 Approved (86.6%)
41 Rejected (13.4%)

SJR 8206
219 Approved (71.8%)
86 Rejected (28.2%)

Director of Elections
188 Huff (77.4%)
55 Greene (22.6%)

Port  #1
157 Bryant (64.1%)
88 Willard (35.9%)

Port #2
123 Taerlton (50.0%)
123 Pope  (50.0%)

Very pleased to see I-1125 defeated by such a large margin!

[Meeker]

Why so much love for Pope?

[bgwah]

I don't know. That upset me.

He seems to have won the entire 5th LD though.

[bgwah]

Initiative maps for the Seattle area!





source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2016947109_new_maps_show_support_oppositi.html

[Alcon]

Anyone who doubts the power of The Stranger should look at the I-1183 results on Capitol Hill and keep in mind that I-1100 (I believe) passed some of those No >60% precincts.

[LastVoter]

Anyone who doubts the power of The Stranger should look at the I-1183 results on Capitol Hill and keep in mind that I-1100 (I believe) passed some of those No >60% precincts.

U-district 60% yes on i-1183. Who would have guessed that.