VOTE THIS TUESDAY: (Washington Edition)

If progressives want a solid voice in American politics they sure as hell better vote, vote carefully and, ideally, get out the vote for the best candidates. And off-year, low voter turnout elections like what is coming up TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6TH are the best chances for progressives to affect the outcome. So from now until Tuesday, get busy to prove progressives are a force in American politics.

Continuing my lead up to the 2007 elections on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6th, I now cover the Democracy for America and Progressive Majority endorsements for Washington State.

Jackie Minchew- Everett City Council - Position 7 Endorsed by Democracy for Washington, Democracy for America, Sierra Club, Washington Conservation Voters...and many more)

Charlene Rawson - Everett City Council - Position 4 (Endorsed by Democracy for America, Democracy for Washington, Everett Firefighters, The Sierra Club, Washington Conservation Voters...and many more)

Al Runte - Seattle City Council - Position 3 (Enddorsed by Democracy for Washington, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 77...and many more).

Cindy Poysnick - Puyallup School Board - District 3 (Endorsed by Democracy for Washington)

Keri Andews, Candidate for Bellevue City Council - Position 7 (Challenger)

Keri Andrews is running for the non-partisan Bellevue City Council. She is the president and owner of a high-tech firm in Bellevue that designs websites for small businesses. She also serves as the Chair of the Children's Response Center Advisory Board, where she works to help kids recovering from sexual assault. She also volunteers with CodeBlueNow, a national organization that educates and motivates the public around health system change. She is running against Councilmember Phil Noble, a conservative, who believes that Global Warming doesn't exist. There are seven conservatives and zero progressives currently on the council. Keri has attended numerous Progressive Majority trainings, including Camp Wellstone, Take Back America, CPA Values Training as well as individual sessions on fundraising, stump speeches, field plans, etc.

Click here to support and learn more about Keri.

Mike Cooper, Candidate for Snohomish County Council - District 3 (Open Seat)

Mike Cooper is running as a Democrat for the Snohomish County Council. Mike recently retired as a Lieutenant with the Shoreline Fire District and is also a former State Representative from Washington's 21st legislative district. He is a union member with the International Association of Firefighters (Local 1760). He has been recognized as the 1999 Maritime Elected Official of the Year, 1999 Washington State Labor Council Legislator of the Year, and 2003 Inland Boatman's Union Legislator of the Year. This year, Mike is running for an open seat on the Snohomish County Council that is currently held by a conservative Republican who is term-limited. The current make-up of the council is 3D, 2R -- with one conservative Democrat. In 2005 we elected Progressive Majority candidate Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers; electing Mike will mean that the Snohomish County Council will have a progressive majority. His opponent is conservative former State Rep. Renee Radcliff. Mike previously faced off with Radcliff in his first legislative race in 1994; she won, but he came back to win an open seat two years later.

Click here to support and learn more about Mike.

Marilyn Strickland, Candidate for Tacoma City Council - At Large (Open Seat)

Marilyn Strickland is running for the nonpartisan Tacoma City Council at-large position being vacated by term-limited Bill Evans. Marilyn is the Development Officer for the Tacoma Public Library, focusing on advocacy, fundraising, and community outreach. Born in Seoul, South Korea, her parents moved to Tacoma when her father was stationed at Fort Lewis forty years ago. She believes that education and literacy should be at the top of Tacoma's civic agenda. A graduate of the University of Washington, Marilyn earned an MBA from Clark-Atlanta University. She has worked in both public and private sectors, holding marketing positions with the American Cancer Society and Starbucks Coffee Company. Her community service and volunteer activities include the Tacoma Public Library Board of Trustees, the Grand Cinema Board of Directors, the Tacoma Pierce-County Black Collective and the Elizabeth Wesley Youth Scholarship Program. Despite having one of the largest numbers of people of color of any Washington city (31%), there are no people of color elected to the local school board, city council, or county government.

Click here to support and learn more about Marilyn.

Brian Sullivan, Candidate for Snohomish County Council - District 2 (Open Seat)

Brian Sullivan is running as a Democrat for the Snohomish County Council. Brian has built a career for himself in public service. A former small business owner, Brian was elected to the Mukilteo City Council and then mayor, then to the state legislature. For his leadership, Brian was named an honorary lifetime member of the Mukilteo Firefighters as well as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Aerospace Machinists Union in 2005. This year, Brian is running for an open seat on the Snohomish County Council that is currently held by a conservative Democrat who is term-limited. The current make-up of the council is 3D, 2R -- with one conservative Democrat. In 2005, we elected Progressive Majority candidate Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers; electing Brian will mean that the Snohomish County Council will have a progressive majority. Brian, being an experienced candidate, has needed less training than most of our candidates.

Click here to support and learn more about Brian.

Gael Tarleton, Candidate for Seattle Port Commission - Position 2 (Challenger)

Gael Tarleton is running for the non-partisan Seattle Port Commission. She has a background in intelligence, having worked as a Senior Analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency -- a job which makes her immensely qualified for the office of Seattle Port Commission, with port security an increasing concern. She most recently worked at the University of Washington, becoming the first ever Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the College of Arts and Sciences. She is deeply concerned about the environmental issues facing the port as well as the security problems that the Port faces. The Port is currently split with 3 conservative commissioners and 2 progressive commissioners; if Gael wins and we retain the one progressive up this year, we will have a progressive majority on the commission for the first time ever. Despite its name, the Seattle Port Commission is elected by all of the voters of King County; more than 450,000 votes are expected to be cast in this race. She will be running against incumbent conservative Bob Edwards. It won't be easy, but Edwards' right-wing credentials and recent port scandals won't help him in the Democratic-leaning King County.

Click here to support and learn more about Gael.

Bill Sherman, Candidate for King County Prosecuting Attorney (Open Seat)

Bill Sherman is running for King County Prosecutor, a position that was left unexpectedly left vacant by the death of Norm Maleng, the long-standing moderate Republican prosecutor, who was elected in 1978. The seat has been in Republican hands for over 60 years. Bill currently serves as a prosecutor from the Domestic Violence Unit of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and he brings the experience and perspective of those on the front lines of criminal prosecution. Prior to joining the Prosecutor's Office, he practiced civil litigation, serving on the legal team representing the victims of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in their quest for justice against Exxon Mobil, and in the 1990s, he worked in the Clinton Administration as an aide to first Vice President Al Gore and then to Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt. His general election opponent is Deputy Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, a Republican who was Maleng's chief of staff.

Click here to support and learn more about Bill.

John Lovick, Candidate for Snohomish County Sheriff (Open Seat)

John Lovick is running for the non-partisan Snohomish County Sheriff. Recently retired after 31-years with the Washington State Patrol, Sgt. Lovick was been named the ''Trooper of the Year'' and holds many awards for his service. John is a union member with the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association. Since 1999, he has served in the Washington State House of Representatives, rising to the position of Speaker Pro Tempore. From 1994-1999, he served on the Mill Creek City Council, two of those years as Mayor. If elected, he would be only the third sitting person of color elected at the county level in Washington state and the only outside of King County. In addition, he will be the first person of color in Washington state to serve as an elected sheriff.

Click here to support and learn more about John.

Steve Oliver, Candidate for Whatcom County Treasurer (Open Seat)

Steve Oliver is running for the non-partisan position of Whatcom County Treasurer. Steve has served two terms on Ferndale's City Council including his current position as Mayor Pro Tem. He is uniquely qualified for the position as Treasurer, having worked in the Treasurer's office since 1998 and appointed Chief Deputy Treasurer in 1999. He is a former member of Teamsters Local 231, previously served on the Ferndale Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments serves as Board President of the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club, and represents small cities on the Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence. His opponent, conservative former State Sen. Joe Elenbaas, has unsuccessfully run for several elected offices in recent years. Recently, Elenbaas allegedly threatened a Whatcom County Sheriff's sergeant, and has served time in jail for firing a shotgun near a process server.

Click here to support and learn more about Steve.

Bob Kelly, Candidate for Whatcom County Council - District 1 - Position B (Open Seat)

Bob Kelly is running for the non-partisan Whatcom County Council. He is a member of the Nooksack Tribe in Northwestern Washington. Bob first became interested in politics with his work on salmon recovery issues as Natural Resources Director with the Nooksack. He is also heavily involved in his community, serving as treasurer with the NW Indian Fish Commission which is comprised of 20 tribes. Bob will be running for Whatcom County Council for a progressive-held, open seat in a progressive district. His race is important in that he would not only become the first Native American to serve on that board, but also the first Native American to hold County office in Washington State. Currently, there are only two people of color of any race (Larry Gossett and Ron Sims) holding any county office in the state. Bob has participated in numerous individual sessions on fundraising, stump speeches, field plans, and other trainings.

Ken Mann, Candidate for Whatcom County Council - District 2 - Position B (Challenger)

Ken Mann is running for the non-partisan Whatcom County Council. He is a property manager and historic building re-developer in Whatcom County. Currently Ken is chairman of the Whatcom County Planning Commission and is involved with the Downtown Renaissance Network & City Club. Currently, the non-partisan council has 4 Democrats and 3 Republicans, with the Democratic delegation having 3 progressives and 1 moderate. If Ken wins, he will ensure a progressive majority on the council. He is running in a traditionally conservative district of the County, currently represented by conservative Sam Crawford. Crawford has voted to allow higher arsenic levels in Lake Whatcom (the source of the City of Bellingham's drinking water.) Ken has attended numerous Progressive Majority trainings, including Camp Wellstone, as well as individual sessions on fundraising, and stump speeches.

Click here to support and learn more about Ken.

Alec Fisken, Candidate for Seattle Port Commission - Position 5 (Incumbent)

Alec is running for re-election as one of the two progressive members of the non-partisan Seattle Port Commission. He works as a financial analyst for the City of Seattle, and is facing a tough re-election campaign. The Commission is currently split with 3 conservatives and 2 progressives; if Alec retains his seat, and we beat one conservative commissioner up this year, we will have a progressive majority on the commission for the first time ever. Despite its name, the Seattle Port Commission is elected by all of the voters of King County; more than 450,000 votes are expected to be cast in this race.

Click here to support and learn more about Alec.

Dan McShane, Candidate for Mayor of Bellingham (Open Seat)

Dan McShane is running for Bellingham Mayor, a non-partisan seat. Dan is currently in his second term on the Whatcom County Council. He is a geologist and small-business owner. Dan is a very prominent environmentalist; both he and his wife Lisa have served on numerous boards and commissions related to environmental issues. He also taught in public schools for more than seven years and is a former union member of both the California Education Association (NEA) and the Teamsters Union. Dan has a proven ability to fundraise and well-known zeal for door-belling.

Click here to support and learn more about Dan.

Ramona Fonseca, Candidate for Mayor of Granger (Challenger)

Ramona Fonseca is running for the non-partisan position of Mayor of Granger, a small town in the Yakima Valley. A retired state employee and activist, Ramona is running for several reasons. Granger has a heavy Latino/a population (86%), yet this overwhelming majority is not reflected in city government. After years of pressuring the city council and mayor to respond to citizen's request for information, Ramona has decided a change is needed; she is running to bring a community voice to the city.

Barry Peters, Candidate for Bainbridge Island City Council - Position 1 (Open Seat)

Barry Peters is running for the non-partisan Bainbridge Island City Council. Barry is cofounder and president of the non-profit Sustainable Bainbridge and co-chairman of Bainbridge Conservation Voters. Barry received a bachelor's degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University and attended law school at the University of Pennsylvania. He will run for the at-large position now held by a conservative who is not seeking re-election. Barry is running on a ''clean campaign pledge'' and will only accept contributions of $100 or less. Barry's opponent, John Waldo, is a local land-use attorney and former newspaper reporter, was actively recruited by local developers. Fortunately, the city is progressive, voting for John Kerry by 65%, and has elected progressive environmentalists in the past. Barry has attended several Progressive Majority trainings, including Camp Wellstone.

Hilary Franz, Candidate for Bainbridge Island City Council - Position 2 (Open Seat)

Hilary Franz is running for the non-partisan Bainbridge Island City Council. She is an accomplished environmental land-use lawyer, with ten years experience working with local governments, non-profit organizations and community groups on land use and environmental issues. She is a board member for the Washington Environmental Council and Bainbridge Island Trust for Working Landscapes, and she has been endorsed by Washington Conservation Voters and the 23rd District Democrats. Hilary is running unopposed in the general election.
Click here to support and learn more about Hilary.

Laurie Carter, Candidate for Bonney Lake City Council - Ward 3 (Open Seat)

Laurie is running for an open seat on the non-partisan Bonney Lake City Council. A member of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3937, Dist. 11, she has worked in public service for 16 years, working to administer federally-regulated social security programs in Washington. In 2005, she was appointed to the Bonney Lake Park Board, and served as the Executive Director of the non-profit ''Beautify Bonney Lake,'' a partnership of citizens, commerce and government to enhance the beauty of the city. For her efforts she received the 2007 Community Impact Award. Her family has lived in the downtown area for 10 years and in the greater Bonney Lake area since 1986. She supports a walking downtown that will invite families to shop downtown and allow the current businesses to remain and thrive in a revitalized downtown.

Stephen Lamphear, Candidate for Burien City Council - Position 4 (Challenger)

Stephen is seeking to regain a seat on the non-partisan Burien City Council. Stephen has a Masters Degree in Public Administration and has over 30 years experience working in Government and private business. Currently, he owns a small tax-preparing business in Burien. The council is currently made up of 2 progressives, 4 moderate-to-conservative Democrats and 1 conservative Republican. He is running against the sitting conservative Republican member of the council -- Gordon Shaw. Stephen is a strong advocate and has earned much praise as a model city legislator for his previous two terms in government. His election would simultaneously eliminate conservative opposition and increase the progressive voice in Burien.

Click here to support and learn more about Stephen.

Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Candidate for Edmonds City Council - Position 5 (Open Seat)

Adrienne is running for the non-partisan Edmonds City Council. She serves on the Executive Board of the Washington Federation of State Employees, an affiliate of AFSCME. Adrienne works at Fircrest, a Washington State Residential Habilitation Center (RHC) for the developmentally disabled, located just north of Seattle. Fircrest offers habilitation services to its permanent residents, and is able to offer various licensed professional services to developmentally disabled clients who are served in community settings. She is married and has one son, Dominic, who has Down's Syndrome. Adrienne is a Democratic Precinct Committee Officer and is running for Edmonds City Council, for an open seat. The 7-member council is made up of two Democrats (one of whom is progressive), and five conservatives.

Strom Peterson, Candidate for Edmonds City Council - Position 7 (Challenger)

Strom Peterson is running for the non-partisan Edmonds City Council, challenging conservative Councilmember David Orvis. Strom and his wife, Maria, have been married for 13 years and moved to Edmonds in 2001. He owns Olives Cafe and Wine Bar in Downtown Edmonds. Strom became Vice President of the Downtown Edmonds Merchants Association in 2003 and President in 2004. In 2004, he was also appointed to the Board of the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, Olives was expanded, and a second business, Resident Cheesemonger, on Main Street in Edmonds, was born. His wife, Maria, is the Executive Director of a charitable foundation that provides scholarships and grants to military families. Strom ran two years ago, getting in late versus two established candidates and coming in third in the primary. He decided to ''do it right'' this time and has been running hard for months. He has been endorsed by the Snohomish County Democrats, the 21st and 32nd District Democrats, the mayor of Edmonds, and several current or former councilmembers.

Click here to support and learn more about Strom.

David Stemp, Candidate for Fircrest City Council - Position 3 (Open Seat)

David is running for the non-partisan Fircrest City Council. David and his wife, Katie, have two sons. David is a chiropractor and has practiced in south Tacoma with his mother, who is also a chiropractor, for the last nine years. Last year, he worked with Progressive Majority Candidate Rep. Troy Kelley and gained valuable experience and insight into the process of running a successful campaign. Fircrest is a small town in the middle of the swing 28th legislative district, south of Tacoma, and has a 4-3 conservative majority. In addition, the fate of a proposed Walmart could hang in the balance in this election. This race is important to build a progressive majority locally.

Joshua Schaer, Candidate for Issaquah City Council - Position 4 (Open Seat)

Joshua Schaer is running for the non-partisan Issaquah City Council, Position 4. Joshua is a defense attorney of six years' experience. Since 1996, Joshua has been an elected precinct committee officer of his local district Democratic organization. Joshua's experience includes being qualified to serve as a Judge Pro Tempore in King County, and serving on the Eastside Transit Sounding Board. This election is crucial to start building a Progressive Majority on the Issaquah city council, which is currently controlled by four conservatives; the other three seats are moderates. This election is a chance to plant the seeds for a future progressive majority, and Joshua can do it with our help.

Click here to support and learn more about Joshua.

Russ Olsen, Candidate for Lacey City Council - Position 1 (Open Seat)

Russ Olsen is running for the non-partisan Lacey City Council, which is dominated by seven conservatives and no progressives. He is an Environmental Specialist with the Washington State Department of Ecology who is running for Lacey City Council. He is a union member, represented by AFSCME (Washington Federation of State Employees Local 305). He has a master's degree in Public Administration from Seattle University and this is his first-time seeking elected office. He is strongly supported by the local unions and is a member of his local Democratic District's Executive board. He is seeking an open seat, and he has only one opponent. This is an opportunity to start changing this council, which represents hundreds of state employees who work in nearby Olympia.

Click here to support and learn more about Russ.

Suzanne Quigley, Candidate for Lake Stevens City Council - Position 5 (Open Seat)

Suzanne Quigley is running for the non-partisan Lake Stevens City Council. Suzanne was recently appointed to the seat after the incumbent resigned. Suzanne holds a Ph.D. in hearing sciences and had a successful career directing a pediatric and adult cochlear implant program. Now a homemaker, she is very involved in her community, serving on the Lake Stevens Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, as President of the Lake Stevens Concerned Citizens and on the Board of Trustees of the Listen & Talk School. She is married to former State Senator (and former Congressional Candidate) Kevin Quigley.

Maureen Judge, Candidate for Mercer Island City Council - Position 3 (Challenger)

Maureen Judge is running for the non-partisan Mercer Island City Council. She co-founded a small software company in Seattle before becoming a manager at RealNetworks. She later joined Expedia.com in Bellevue where she managed a team that helped grow the company's merchant sales model for its hotel business. Maureen is a member of the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation Board, and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Starlight Children's Foundation, a nonprofit that serves seriously ill children and their families. She had been endorsed by the 41st District's entire legislative delegation (Senator Brian Weinstein (D), Representatives Judy Clibborn (D) Fred Jarrett (R), as well as the WA Women's Political Caucus. Currently the Mercer Island City Council is split with 4 progressives and 3 conservatives. Maureen's win over a conservative city council member would ensure that progressives have a lasting majority. Maureen has attended numerous Progressive Majority trainings, including Camp Wellstone, as well as individual sessions on fundraising, stump speeches, field plans, and other trainings.

Click here to support and learn more about Maureen.

Bruce Bassett, Candidate for Mercer Island City Council - Position 5 (Open Seat)

Bruce Bassett is running for the non-partisan Mercer Island City Council. The seat is currently held by Mayor Bryan Cairns, who is retiring. Bruce currently serves on the Mercer Island Open Space Conservancy Trust Board and is Treasurer for the Mercer Island Soccer Association. After a career that included 10 years as founder and CEO of a small high tech company, he wants to devote time to addressing pressing local issues. He has been endorsed by 2004 Progressive Majority Candidate Senator Brian Weinstein and 2005 Progressive Majority Candidate Councilmember Mike Grady. If Bruce and Maureen Judge are both elected, four of the seven member Mercer Island City Council will be Progressive Majority candidates (the others are Mike Grady and Dan Grausz, both elected in 2005).

Click here to support and learn more about Bruce.

Matthew Green, Candidate for Olympia City Council - Position 2 (Open Seat)

Matthew Green is seeking to re-gain a seat on the non-partisan Olympia City Council where he served for one term. In 2006, he managed Progressive Majority Candidate Eric Oemig's winning campaign for State Senate and this year he has worked as a staff member for another progressive member of the State Senate. Matthew is a rising star and a strong progressive. He's running against a candidate funded by developers.

Click here to support and learn more about Matthew.

Rebecca Francik, Candidate for Pasco City Council - Position 5 (Incumbent)

Rebecca Francik is running to retain her seat on the non-partisan Pasco City Council, on which she has been serving for 11 years. She is a librarian and teacher in the Pasco School District. She is also a union member with the Washington Education Association. During her time on the council she has worked to both conserve water in the Columbia River and recruit more large-scale employers to Pasco. She is one of few progressive leaders in elected office in Eastern Washington, and she is currently being challenged by conservative opponent Shane Thorson.

Mia Gregerson, Candidate for SeaTac City Council - Position 7 (Open Seat)

Mia Gregerson is running for the non-partisan SeaTac City Council. Mia is a third generation resident of the SeaTac community. She lives with her husband, Scott, and their daughter. She is very involved in the community by working with and coaching young athletes through Special Olympics and volunteers for the SmileMobile which provides dental services for the poor. Professionally, she works as a surgical assistant. While the community is highly minority (40% people of color, heavy concentrations of Asians, Hispanics and African-Americans), there is not a single person of color on the seven member city council. She also will bring a fresh perspective of a young person to the council.

Terry Scott, Candidate for Shoreline City Council - Position 6 (Challenger)

Terry Scott is running for the non-partisan Shoreline City Council. He currently serves as a University of Washington faculty member in the School of Medicine. In 2006, he was chosen to be a member, and then was elected Vice-chair of the City of Shoreline's Citizen's Housing Committee, which is currently making suggestions to the City Council on issues such as housing affordability and housing choices for area residents. Terry has lived in Shoreline with his wife Lyanne and their four children for almost a decade. He is a former president of the Washington State Academy of Physician Assistants, and has served on various committees at the local and national level, such as the UW Graduate Medical Education, School of Medicine Curriculum Committee, Dean's Strategic Leadership Conference, and the Washington Academy of Physician Assistants Health Policy Council. As a Physician Assistant in family practice, Terry has been active in advocating for patient access to care, and health care issues and concerns. While Shoreline's council has a 4-3 Progressive Majority, this is an excellent opportunity. He is running against the incumbent conservative, Bob Ransom.

Click here to support and learn more about Terry.

Richard Rush, Candidate for Spokane City Council - Position 1 (Challenger)

Richard Rush is running for the non-partisan Spokane City Council in District 2, a position currently represented by conservative Brad Stark. Richard has a business management background, but is currently a stay-at-home dad of two children. In a city where neighborhood communities are well organized, he is member of the Cliff/Cannon Neighborhood Council and participated in the city's rewriting of its comprehensive plan. The council is currently made up of five conservatives and two progressives, so this is a good opportunity to get into position to take back the council in 2009. He is running against developer-backed Stark, who recently ran for County Assessor, losing in the Republican primary. Rush actually outpolled incumbent Stark in the primary election, holding him to 31% of the vote.

Click here to support and learn more about Richard.

Ed Pacheco, Candidate for Toppenish City Council - Position 7 (Challenger)

Ed Pacheco is running for the non-partisan City Council of Toppenish, a small town located in the Yakima Valley. A social worker whose family has lived in the city for over 30 years, Ed has seen the city in harsh conditions with a plummeting economy. Spurred to action by dedication to his hometown, Ed pushed the city council to hire a Spanish language interpreter for the residents of the over 75% Latino/a city. Despite this high Latino/a population, only two city council members out of seven represent this majority. Ed would bring further representation to the Latino/a residents of Toppenish.

Rose Ehart, Candidate for University Place City Council - Position 6 (Challenger)

Rose Ehart is running for the non-partisan University Place City Council. She is a former small-business-owner who left her business to become Executive Director of The Bread Basket, a Christian food bank that delivers meals and food to hungry families and seniors in University Place. Rose is involved in the community in a number of ways including serving on the Community Accountability Board, Juvenile Courts Diversion Program, and is active in the Democratic Party and her church. Rose is running against councilmember Gerald Gehring (who is currently serving as mayor). Currently the University Place City Council is composed of one democrat and six conservatives. Rose has attended numerous Progressive Majority trainings, including Camp Wellstone, as well as individual sessions on fundraising, stump speeches, field plans, and others.

Click here to support and learn more about Rose.

Ron Bonlender, Candidate for Yakima City Council - District 3 (Incumbent)

Ron Bonlender is currently the only progressive member of the non-partisan Yakima City Council. He ran unsuccessfully for the Washington State House in the 14th District, in 2006 and earned our endorsement. A small business owner, Ron and his wife own and operate three sub-sandwich shops. Ron is very active in the community, before joining the City Council; he served as President of the Apple Valley Kiwanis, as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 216, and in various positions with the Yakima County Democrats. Ron is running against conservative opponent Rick Ensey.

Chase Gallagher, Candidate for City of Shelton Finance Commissioner (Challenger)

Chase Gallagher is running for the non-partisan City of Shelton Finance Commissioner. This municipal seat is currently held by Mike Byrne, a conservative who is running for reelection. Gallagher's family is well-known in the small community; his father, Russ Gallagher, was recently elected to the Mason County Commission, defeating an incumbent. Chase currently works for the Washington State legislature, and in 2006 was campaign manager for a State Representative campaign in a neighboring district. Shelton has an unusual form of government and is the only city commission in the state.
Click here to support and learn more about Chase.

Sili Savusa, Candidate for Highline School Board - District 1 (Open Seat)

Sili Savusa is running for the non-partisan Highline School Board. She currently is the Family Center Coordinator for South West Youth and Family Services, a non-profit that provides free services to at-risk youth and families. At the age of 25 she became a Samoan chief. She also serves her community by being a Trusted Advocate, a group of people representing the various ethnic communities in North Highline. In response to the dropout rate, poor performance, and neglect Samoan children receive in the school system, Sili organized the first Samoan Parent Teacher organization in the country. She would like to represent all children by running for the Highline School Board in 2007. She will be running for an open, progressive-held seat on the five member board. Currently progressives hold three of the five seats, yet all three progressives are vacating their seats after this term. The Board includes no people of color although it represents one of the most diverse areas of Washington State.

Click here to support and learn more about Sili.

Cindy Poysnick, Candidate for Puyallup School Board - Position 2 (Open Seat)

Cindy is running for the non-partisan Puyallup School Board. She is a business-owner and a mother of school-age kids who graduated from schools in the district. The conservative Puyallup school board has thus far prevented comprehensive, medically-accurate sex education from being taught in Puyallup schools. Cindy, however, has testified in Olympia on behalf of a bill mandating medically-accurate sex education. She ran for the school board two years ago and came within 1% of winning; this year she is running again against a conservative opponent.

Maren Norton, Candidate for Shoreline School Board - District 4 (Challenger)

Maren Norton is running for the non-partisan Shoreline School Board. The seat is currently held by local businessman Dan Mann. Maren is an attorney with Stoel Rives, where she has worked on telecommunications, software licensing, and representing municipal clients in superfund cleanup litigation. She has represented numerous pro bono clients, including for public housing tenants, immigration appeals, and other such cases which earned her the Volunteer of the Year award by the King County Bar Association. She has served as campaign manager for Carolyn Edmonds 1998 campaign for State Representative, beating a conservative incumbent and later for King County Council, as Edmonds' legislative assistant in Olympia, and has been involved in the 32nd District Democrats.

Click here to support and learn more about Maren.

Maria Osorio, Candidate for Toppenish School Board - District 3 (Open Seat)

Maria Osorio is running for the non-partisan Toppenish School Board. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Maria moved to Toppenish at the age of 17 and has become a naturalized citizen. A mother of four, Maria originally became involved in the school district as a volunteer. Maria has become convinced that the board needs a strong Latino/a voice, and decided to run. She will provide diversity on the School board of an area that is 75% Latino/a.

Donald Gargas, Candidate for Toppenish School Board - District 5 (Open Seat)

Dr. Donald Gargas is running for the non-partisan Toppenish School Board. He has been a pediatrician with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Toppenish since 1973, advocating for the health and safety of children of migrant and seasonal farm workers. This is his first run for political office, and an open seat election as the incumbent has withdrawn from the race at the last minute. This is an excellent opportunity to elect a strong human rights and children's health advocate like Donald.

So GET OUT AND VOTE TUEDAY NOV. 6th!

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