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Politics & Government

Smith on Politics: Ferguson Responds to Cop-killer Ad

Statements from Congressional candidates Bemis and McDermott; comments from four 46th Legislative District candidates; where to leave ballots; new Washington voters can register through Oct. 29. Vote in person Nov. 2-3, 5-6

Ferguson responds to cop-killer ad

We’ve seen the ads that point out that Democratic attorney general candidate Bob Ferguson once defended a cop killer.

Ferguson, who now represents Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, north Seattle and nearby areas on the King County Council, sent me this response:

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“I was a law student summer intern and helped a death row inmate get a lawyer for his appeals.”

If you want to read more about it Washington State Wire has an in-depth report on its Web site.

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Statements from Congressional candidates Bemis, McDermott

Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds and Woodway are now part of the 7th Congressional District, along with most of Seattle and some of Seattle’s southwest suburbs. Voters in the District will choose between 12-term incumbent Democrat Jim McDermott and Republican challenger Ron Bemis. McDermott outpolled Bemis in the August primary 71 percent to 15 percent.

Here are statements from the two candidates:   

Ron Bemis:

No politician ‘owns’ a seat in Congress; the People do. Jim McDermott’s had his turn for 24 years, and we have massive debt burdens, trillion dollar deficits, high unemployment, high taxes, unfixed social security and medicare, hyper-partisan gridlock, neglect, and disconnect.  Let him retire, and hire me.

I bring you a 35-year record of skills, experience and excellent results in law, business, education and public service leadership.  He doesn’t, and he’s ineffective.

I’ll bring you independence over any party label, a work-together with everyone approach, and balanced, caring, pragmatic reforms for recovery, reform and results.  He hasn’t.

I’ll respect your liberties and common interests over special interests, rein in overextended government here and abroad, and make legislation cost-effective. He doesn’t; his votes bury us in debt.

And he ducks debating me for even one hour about his high costs/low results and why I’ll be your better representative. See www.ronbemisforcongress.org

Jim McDermott:

All elections are important, but the choices we make in this year’s contest are crucial for the future of our country. We face daunting challenges in so many areas – and how we respond to them will set our course for many years to come. The turmoil and uncertainty of the last few years has taken a difficult toll on too many Americans. Now we must take bold action to restore the vitality of our country and the promise of our future. Representing Washington’s 7th District in the Congress is a great privilege and a grave responsibility. I ask for your support now to continue that work as a strong and thoughtful voice for progressive change.

Comments from 46th District state representative candidates

Both state representative seats in the 46th District match two Democrats.

One position matches appointed incumbent Gerry Pollet and challenger Sylvester Cann. Pollet outpolled Cann in the primary by a 60 percent to 40 percent margin. No other candidates were on the ballot. I contacted all four after they appeared at a candidate forum that the Washington Environmental Council sponsored Sunday.

Cann, who is challenging Pollet, called the debate “productive,” noting that it focused on environmental issues. Cann said that he is strong on environmental issues because of his background in engineering.

Cann said that his campaign is strong. “People seem to really understand the differences between me and my opponent, and are ready to make their voice heard. “

Incumbent Pollet said that the event “showed a world of difference in terms of both my having far more experience and commitment to environmental and tax reform-issues.

“I did use the forum as an opportunity to announce that I'll be working on bills to create a solar energy loan program for homeowners, and we also discussed my work to improve park-and-ride and bus access on 522 without putting park and rides in residential neighborhoods or greenbelts.”

Political newcomers Jessyn Farrell and Sarajane Siegfriedt are running for the position that retiring Democratic State Rep. Phyllis Kenney now holds.

Farrell outpolled Siegfriedt 30 percent to 22 percent in a six-person primary.

Farrell said she has recruited many volunteers and is approaching her goal of knocking on 20,000 doors. She pointed to endorsements from teachers, labor, and the environmental community in addition to the Progressive Voters Guide and the Seattle Times.

Siegfriedt said that the Sunday debate and two earlier debates last week showed little difference with Farrell on issues but showed Siegfriedt’s advantage on experience.

Siegfriedt called the race a toss-up because most general-election voters "have not voted for either of us and don't know us."

"It comes down to the effectiveness of messaging at the doors and in the mailboxes.

“The 46th District Democrats' endorsement gives me the edge, she said. “We are carrying our endorsement guide for the full ballot to 30,000 doors, with the help of a small army of volunteers. This and the endorsements of Rep. Phyllis Kenney and Sen. Maralyn Chase, all known to the voters, gives me the edge.”

Cann reports raising $112,610 and spending $96,689, with support from independent expenditures of $50,256. Pollet reports raising $104,555 and spending $87,561 with supporting independent expenditures of $12,882.

Farrell reports raising $93,216 and spending $81,279 with supporting independent expenditures of $6,700. Siegfriedt has raised $87,270 and spent $61,787.

The District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

Where to leave ballots

 Voters can leave ballots at 24-hour ballot drop boxes at the Lake Forest Park City Hall, at three locations in Seattle and eight other locations around King County. The boxes are open until 8 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6. New Washington voters can register through Monday         

New Washington voters can register to vote in the Nov. 6 general election through Monday, Oct. 29 but they must register in person at either the King County elections office in Renton or the County election registration annex in downtown Seattle.

Vote in person Nov. 2-3, 5-6           

Anyone can vote in person Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2-3, and Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 5-6, at accessible voting units at North Seattle Community College and five other sites around King County.

The units are designed for disabled people to vote independently, but any voter can use them.

The units are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 2, 3 and 5, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day.


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