Washington will be a key battleground state in the November elections, both nationally and locally.

How voters cast their ballots here will be crucial in determining the make-up of the U.S. Congress as well as the state Legislature.

Rick Larsen

“The fact that this is a presidential election year will have a big impact on voter turnout, making it higher and more partisan than usual,” says Pat Thompson, Director of Legislation/Political Action for Council 2. Also, the way voters cast their ballots in the presidential race often determines how they vote in other contests, too, he says.
If Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore takes the state that will trickle down into
the congressional and local races as well, Thompson adds.

“The most important thing we can tell our people is that they should exercise their right to vote,” Thompson says. “Those who face problems getting to the polls on elec

Jay Inslee

tion day should look into the option of absentee voting, which has made it easier to cast your vote.”

Here’s a closer look at some races:

U.S. Congress

Rick Larsen, current Snohomish County Councilman and a strong supporter of Council 2, stands the best chance of gaining a seat for the Democrats, Thompson says. His opponent for the 2nd district seat is a staunch supporter of cutting and contracting out government services. It is essential that we retain the worker-friendly legislators we have, Thompson adds.

In addition to the seat being contested by Larsen, the seats that have challengers are those of Jay Inslee, 1st Congressional district, and Adam Smith, 9th Congressional district.

Adam Smith

“It is critical that we support these people as they have a good record of support for working families,” Thompson says.

U.S. Senate

Democratic candidate Maria Cantwell represents the strongest challenge against Republican Slade Gorton for one of the two Washington state seats in the U.S. Senate, Thompson says.

State Legislature

The challenge in the State Legislature is to maintain control in the Senate, which consists of 27 Democrats and 22 Republicans, and to break the logjam in the House of Representatives, where there is a 49-49 tie.

Gov, Gary Locke

“Both these tasks will require a lot of work and nothing should be taken for granted,” adds Thompson.

In the race for Governor, incumbent Gary Locke faces a challenge from a candidate that supports privatizing most government services.

“It is important that we retain Governor Locke, as his veto pen is our insurance if the Legislature fails us,” Thompson explains.