Let's talk about the weather...or politics
Published on Wed, Jul 14, 2010 by Beckye RandallRead More Voices
"You'd complain if you were hung with a new rope."
That was one of my dad's favorite sayings when we kids would whine about something, and it comes to mind when I hear folks talk about our weather lately.
First it was too cold, too rainy, too much like November. Then Mother Nature turned up the heat and we all sweltered for a few days-and many have the sunburns to prove it.
According to our favorite TV weatherman, we'll be settling into a more normal summer weather pattern this week, with highs in the 70s and low 80s under mostly sunny skies. Much more tolerable for northwest lifestyles that often don't include air conditioning.
The air temperature isn't the only thing that's warming up these days. Political campaigns are starting to shift into high gear for the August 17 primary. Once again, the statewide voting will result in a "top two" fall ballot, regardless of party affiliations.
Fifteen candidates are fighting to win the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Patty Murray. The incumbent has served in the Senate since 1992, and is being challenged by Republicans as well as representatives of the Centrist Party, the Reform Party, independents, and a few Democrats. Dino Rossi is in this fight, alongside fellow Republicans Clint Didier and Paul Akers among others.
Rick Larsen, the U.S. Representative from District 2, is in a 5-way race against a field of challengers that includes Snohomish County Councilman John Koster. Koster and Larsen faced off against each other for the House seat in 2000 and Larsen came out on top in that contest. Koster enjoys broad support from Tea Party-style conservatives and is endorsed by former Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Larsen's focus is on jobs and the economy, and he stands by the federal government's efforts to kick-start the national economy through regulation and stimulus spending.
State Senator Jean Berkey of the 38th District is up against a fellow Democrat, Nick Harper, and Rod Rieger of the Conservative Party. In the 44th District, Sen. Steve Hobbs will face two Republicans, Ryan Ferrie and Dave Schmidt, and Democrat Lillian Kaufer.
Even closer to home, the state legislative races in the 38th District won't see much drama in the primary, as there are only two candidates for each of the seats. Incumbents John McCoy and Mike Sells, both Democrats, will face Hugh Fleet and Iris Lilly, respectively, in the fall elections. In the 44th District, incumbent Hans Dunshee (D) has two Republican challengers while Mike Hope (R) will face off against Democrat John Boerger.
Mid-term elections tend to be decided by fewer voters, but frustration with the continued sluggish economy may lead to a larger voter turnout. For information about the candidates and the August 17 primary election, visit the Secretary of State's Web site at www.sos.wa.gov/elections.
That was one of my dad's favorite sayings when we kids would whine about something, and it comes to mind when I hear folks talk about our weather lately.
First it was too cold, too rainy, too much like November. Then Mother Nature turned up the heat and we all sweltered for a few days-and many have the sunburns to prove it.
According to our favorite TV weatherman, we'll be settling into a more normal summer weather pattern this week, with highs in the 70s and low 80s under mostly sunny skies. Much more tolerable for northwest lifestyles that often don't include air conditioning.
The air temperature isn't the only thing that's warming up these days. Political campaigns are starting to shift into high gear for the August 17 primary. Once again, the statewide voting will result in a "top two" fall ballot, regardless of party affiliations.
Fifteen candidates are fighting to win the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Patty Murray. The incumbent has served in the Senate since 1992, and is being challenged by Republicans as well as representatives of the Centrist Party, the Reform Party, independents, and a few Democrats. Dino Rossi is in this fight, alongside fellow Republicans Clint Didier and Paul Akers among others.
Rick Larsen, the U.S. Representative from District 2, is in a 5-way race against a field of challengers that includes Snohomish County Councilman John Koster. Koster and Larsen faced off against each other for the House seat in 2000 and Larsen came out on top in that contest. Koster enjoys broad support from Tea Party-style conservatives and is endorsed by former Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Larsen's focus is on jobs and the economy, and he stands by the federal government's efforts to kick-start the national economy through regulation and stimulus spending.
State Senator Jean Berkey of the 38th District is up against a fellow Democrat, Nick Harper, and Rod Rieger of the Conservative Party. In the 44th District, Sen. Steve Hobbs will face two Republicans, Ryan Ferrie and Dave Schmidt, and Democrat Lillian Kaufer.
Even closer to home, the state legislative races in the 38th District won't see much drama in the primary, as there are only two candidates for each of the seats. Incumbents John McCoy and Mike Sells, both Democrats, will face Hugh Fleet and Iris Lilly, respectively, in the fall elections. In the 44th District, incumbent Hans Dunshee (D) has two Republican challengers while Mike Hope (R) will face off against Democrat John Boerger.
Mid-term elections tend to be decided by fewer voters, but frustration with the continued sluggish economy may lead to a larger voter turnout. For information about the candidates and the August 17 primary election, visit the Secretary of State's Web site at www.sos.wa.gov/elections.
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