MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Hello Democrats and Happy Friday!
In a big news week, one of the biggest pieces of political news has to be Mitch McConnell’s announcement Wednesday that he will be stepping down as Republican Leader of the Senate in November.
While I won’t be sad to see him go (I think everyone will agree with me that few have done more to help establish the cowardly, win-at-all-costs approach of today’s GOP than McConnell), there is no doubt in my mind that his replacement will be even worse. For all the negative things I can and will say about McConnell, he has at least admitted that Joe Biden won the 2020 election and on rare occasions has taken action to temper the furthest right members of his Party. There is no doubt in my mind that the next Republican Leader will be as MAGA as they come, and we must do everything we can to stop the extremist wing of the GOP in their tracks.
The only way we can make this happen is by retaking the House and holding the Senate this November – otherwise we risk suffering a rollback of all the progress we have made for the American people.
The stakes are rising each and every day – and we can’t rest for a moment. I’m not exaggerating when I say the road to winning back the House and holding our narrow majority in the Senate runs through Washington State and we must do everything in our power to make this vision of victory possible.
Thank you for standing with us – we’re going to need all of you on board to get this work done, but I’m confident we can do it if we stand together. Remember that every hour you volunteer and every dollar you donate helps secure our future, and cheers to hard work that pays off!
One more thing – all of you should have received your ballots for Washington’s Democratic Presidential Primary – Please don’t delay, be sure to cast your vote ASAP to make your voice heard in this critical election!
If you still need to register to vote, or want to check the status of your ballot – you can do so at VoteWA.gov – and dropbox locations can be found here!
WORKING FOR WASHINGTON
Meanwhile in Washington State we continue to lead the nation in secure elections – and I hope you will join me in cheering SB 5843, requested by our Democratic Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, passing through the WA House and Senate!
The bill would improve elections security in the following ways, as assessed by the Legislature’s nonpartisan staff:
- Requires every county to install and maintain an intrusion detection system to monitor their network and to disclose certain malicious activity or breaches of security of information technology systems.
- Authorizes the Secretary of State to certify the results of an election if a county canvassing board refuses to certify the results of the election without cause.
- Establishes violations and penalties related to election interference, including prohibited interference by election observers, destruction of voted ballots and certain election supplies and materials, interference with the operation of a voting center, and unauthorized access to election administration locations and systems.
Secure elections are free and fair elections and the opposition of nearly every Republican in the legislature clearly demonstrates where the GOP stands on this issue.
We are grateful and proud to have powerful Democratic majorities ready to champion voting rights and election security at every opportunity. Please join me in thanking our terrific elected officials for delivering this victory on behalf of every voter!
What I’m Listening To This Week
This week I’ve been listening to former Biden White House Press Secretary and all around amazing human being Jen Psaki’s podcast investigating the rot at the core of today’s GOP. It’s an enlightening listen and at under an hour it shouldn’t be too hard to fit into your busy schedules!
Check it out here – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-with-jen-psaki/id1692806415?i=1000646785995
Democrats in the News
Patty Murray’s push to fund nutrition and child care
As Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray works on writing a budget for the entire country, she’s keeping two issues affecting kids here in Washington top-of-mind: nutrition and child care.
Strickland Launches 4th Annual Congressional Art Competition
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced today that her office will begin accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition as an opportunity to recognize, honor, and encourage young artistic talent across the nation.
House passes Secretary Hobbs’ election security bill, sending it to Governor Inslee
An election security bill requested by Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs has completed its journey through the legislative process and will now be presented to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature following a successful floor vote in the House of Representatives.
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Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!
With gratitude,
Chair Shasti Conrad Washington State Democratic Party
The work we do today wins elections tomorrow. If you’re ready to elect Democrats in every race and every place in Washington state, invest in our efforts and make a contribution now.
Want to support our work year round? Join Blue Washington, our monthly giving program! It is the most effective way to help candidates, volunteers, organizers, activists, and staff because it gives us the certainty we need to scale up our program with confidence. Your monthly investment ensures we can defend our strong legislative majorities, flip key congressional seats from red to blue, and fight for progressive values. Help us lead the way to victories at all levels of government today!
Washington State Democrats PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 United States
