WASHINGTON STATE FOCUS: Electing Progressives

Progressive Majority is one of the most effective and important Progressive organizations out there. They focus on local elections, helping new people enter politics as progressive, grassroots candidates within the Democratic Party. They help progressive challengers in primaries as well as helping progressive Democrats against Republicans in the general election. If you are dissatisfied with both parties, THIS IS THE ORGANIZATION FOR YOU. Progressive Majority has around a 70% success rate in getting their candidates elected, which beats pretty much any other grassroots organization I am familiar with. And they focus on pretty much all levels from school board on up.

Here is their latest primary election succcess. Let's help them in supporting these excellent winners for the general election.

In Washington state's Tuesday's primary election, 11 of our 27 candidates faced primaries, many of them stiff challenges.

As of this morning, 10 of our 11 candidates have won their primaries and moved on to the general election this November. This is another day of victories for Washington state progressives, and for progressives across the country!

Snohomish County: A New Progressive Majority.
The most important race in the primary was for Snohomish County Council, where Brian Sullivan won the Democratic nomination against a long-time elected official. As his district is strongly Democratic, he faces only token conservative opposition in the general election. Sullivan replaces a conservative Democrat and changes the balance of power on the council from conservatives to progressives!

We have been working on the Snohomish County Council since we opened our doors in Washington in 2004 when the council had a 4-1 conservative majority. In 2005, we helped Dave Somers get elected. Now this fall we have one other Snohomish County Council race. If our candidate Mike Cooper wins in November, we will have a 4-1 progressive majority! Now, that's PROGRESS!

Big Upset in Port of Seattle, but the battle isn't over yet.
The other shocker on primary night was when Progressive Majority candidate Gael Tarleton led incumbent Seattle Port Commissioner Bob Edwards. In fact, Edwards is at a lowly 28%!!!! The progressive community has been fighting for a majority on the port for years; this year we have our best chance in years to win. It's time for change, and Gael is ready to deliver that change!

Here is a complete list of results from the Washington State primary. As Washington is a vote-by-mail state, the numbers can change, but we're confident in our predications:

County Offices

* John Lovick - Snohomish County Sherriff
Won! Faces a tough general election.

* Brian Sullivan - Snohomish County Council, District 2
Won! Faces token opposition in the general.

* Bob Kelly - Whatcom County Council, District 1, Position B
Won! Currently leading other candidates 2:1.

City Offices

* Dan McShane - Bellingham Mayor
Won! The leading vote-getter over 6 primary opponents.

* Maureen Judge - Mercer Island City Council, Position 3
Won! The leading vote getter over 3 primary opponents.

* Terry Scott - Shoreline City Council, Position 6
Won! While the election results are close, he will advance to the general election and held an incumbent to 35%!

* Marilyn Strickland - Tacoma City Council, At Large
Won! The leading vote-getter in a four-way primary.

* De'Sean Quinn - Tukwila City Council, Position 2
Lost in a three-way primary.

* Ron Bonlender - Yakima City Council, District 3
Won! Bonlender will face strong opposition this fall.

Port Commission

* Alec Fisken – Seattle Port Commission, Position 5
Won! Alec will face a very strong race this fall against a very well-funded opponent.

* Gael Tarleton – Seattle Port Commission, Position 2
Won! Leading a 6-way primary over an 8-year incumbent.

Yesterday was another great day for progressives. Last year served notice that progressive values are American values. Now voters across the country are electing more and more progressives. Help us keep the progressive movement going by donating $20, $35, $50, or what ever you can spare to Progressive Majority to keep the conservatives retreating. Click here to donate today! This fall has the potential to be another great election for progressives, but we can't do it without your help...

I donate $10 per month to Progressive Majority because they don't JUST target Republicans. They also encourage young, more progressive, grassroots candidates within the Democratic Party, creating the next generation of America's leaders. Help them out!