This year's primary and general elections in Washington State are as important as ever. In this guide, I'll include primary information now, and update it to include general election information later so you can bookmark the same URL.
Judicial Candidates
No matter what party's ballot you vote in the primary, you'll get to vote on the non-partisan judicial candidates. Some candidates, however, are clearly in the pocket of the powerful Building Industry Association of Washington, and should be defeated. In Washington, if a candidate wins more than half the votes cast in the primary, the election is decided without the need for a run-off.
I recommend you vote for the following, all incumbents:
- Chief Justice Gerry Alexander
is the longest serving Chief Justice in our state’s history, with more than 30 years experience at all court levels. He has earned a lifetime achievement award from the Ninth Circuit for his character and integrity. The King County Bar Association has rated him “Exceptionally Well Qualified.” - Justice Susan Owens
has more than 25 years experience as a judge, with a strong record of protecting Constitutional rights. She is endorsed by former Governor Gary Locke, WA State Democrats, WA State Labor Council, Sierra Club and more than 100 judges, and rated "Exceptionally Well Qualified" by Washington Women Lawyers. - Justice Tom Chambers
has six years of experience as a Supreme Court Justice and practiced law for 30 years. He is rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” by the King County Bar Association, received an “Outstanding Judge of the Year” Award from Washington Women Lawyers and is endorsed by WA Council of Police and Sheriffs.
Depending on your district, you also may be able to vote for one of the following judges for the Court of Appeals. Vote Mary Kay Becker, Christine Quinn-Brintnall, or Joel Penoyar. Each of these judges are committed to protecting our civil justice system and preserving trial by jury.
U.S. Senate
Everyone in Washington will have the ability to vote for U.S. Senator. Vote for Maria Cantwell on the Democratic ballot. Her principal opponent, Hong Tran, can hardly be considered a serious contender for the nomination. Her objection to Cantwell is based on Cantwell's supposed support for the Iraq war. But Tran's supporters are fooling themselves if they think that Tran would be a better senator than Cantwell, who has done a lot of good for Washington State and, as a reasonable left-moderate, has the potential to help Democrats make serious gains in Washington State in the future.