12th Legislative District
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Progressive Voters Guide :: 12th Legislative District
Real progress means voting every race and issue.
Return Ballots by November 6th
The election has huge implications for our families, our communities, and our state. Our goal is to make smart, informed voting based on progressive values easier for you. We worked with Washington's leading progressive organizations to produce a Progressive Voters Guide—your ticket to highly informed recommendations about the races on your ballot.
The Progressive Voters Guide identifies the candidates with the most progressive track records and the ballot measure positions that will protect or promote progress in Washington.
Vote in every race on your ballot! It's our right and our responsibility, and they all impact our families and future in important ways. Please forward this guide to your friends and family, return your ballot by Tuesday, November 6th.
Progressive Voters Guide :: 12th Legislative District
Statewide Ballot Measures
Initiative 1185
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Tim Eyman is back with another self-serving initiative to create legislative gridlock in Olympia. Initiative 1185 would require a 2/3 supermajority vote to close tax loopholes or raise revenue to pay for schools, health care, universities, or anything else. Thanks to Eyman's previous initiative, several attempts to prevent cuts in school funding and close tax loopholes for special interests have been blocked by a small number of legislators. As a result, big oil companies like BP and Conoco Phillips are dumping hundreds of thousands of dollars into this initiative to protect their lucrative and unfair tax loopholes. Vote NO on I-1185 — Tim Eyman's latest recipe for gridlock.
Opposed by: Cascade Bicycle Club, OneAmerica Votes, Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, Washington CAN!, Fuse Washington, Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE), Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), SEIU Washington State Council, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, Washington Education Association, Climate Solutions, Faith Action Network, Puget Sound Alliance for Retired Americans
Initiative 1240
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Most progressive organizations are opposing I-1240. Because there are progressive education advocates on both sides of this initiative, we asked each of the campaigns to present their case.
Initiative 1240 would authorize the creation of 40 charter schools, independently managed by non-profits, over a 5-year period. A newly-created charter school commission would oversee the new system. Charter schools would use the same funding from the existing public school system and would not charge tuition.
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I-1240 finally allows Washington families the option of public charter schools, which are already available in 41 states, supported by Presidents Obama and Clinton, and proven to help our most vulnerable students succeed.
Endorsements and Supporters include: League of Education Voters, Democrats for Education Reform
Before spending millions on I-1240's charter schools for a tiny fraction of students, without guarantee of student improvement, let's fund proven solutions to real problems like overcrowded classrooms — so all students can succeed.
Opposed by: League of Women Voters, Washington State PTA, American Federation of Teachers - Washington, OneAmerica Votes, Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, Washington CAN!, Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE), Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, SEIU Washington State Council, Washington Education Association, Association of Washington School Principals, Seattle-King County NAACP, El Centro de la Raza, various local education and Democratic Party organizations
Referendum 74
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Referendum 74 asks voters to approve or reject our state's historic marriage equality law. Marriage and family are about love and commitment, working together, strengthening the community, raising children, and growing old together. Here in Washington, we support strong families and we value freedom and equality, including the freedom to marry. Our marriage equality law already includes strong protections for people of faith and religious institutions, and Referendum 74 would not change that. Vote YES on Referendum 74 to preserve marriage equality.
Endorsements and Supporters include: League of Women Voters, American Federation of Teachers - Washington, OneAmerica Votes, Latino PAC, Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, Washington CAN!, Washington Bus, Fuse Washington, Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE), Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), SEIU Washington State Council, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, ACLU of Washington
Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger
Initiative 502
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Initiative 502 would legalize the possession of marijuana for adults. Supporters say it would allow law enforcement to stop wasting resources on casual marijuana users, take money away from criminal organizations, and generate tax revenue for our state and local governments. The only marijuana that would be legal to sell in this state would be grown by specially-licensed Washington farmers and sold in licensed and regulated stores. Vote YES on Initiative 502.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, Washington CAN!, Fuse Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), ACLU of Washington, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Statewide Poverty Action Network, Minority Executive Directors Coalition, Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, NAACP Alaska, Oregon and Washington State-Area Conference, King County Bar Association, and many more.
Constitutional Amendments
SJR 8221
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Limit Borrowing for Construction Projects
- No Campaign Web Site
The Legislature passed this constitutional amendment to reduce the amount Washington is able to borrow for construction projects. Supporters say this will help maintain the state's strong credit rating and reduce the amount of interest paid by the state. Opponents say this will limit the state's ability to finance important infrastructure projects, such as school construction, roads and bridges. We lean against because we believe the Legislature should do more in creating jobs and investing in our future.
Opposed by: Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington Building and Construction Trades Council
SJR 8223
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The Legislature passed this constitutional amendment to give the University of Washington and Washington State University greater flexibility with their investments. Under this resolution, these universities could invest some funds in private companies or stock with approval from the Legislature.
Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger
State Advisory Votes
Advisory Vote 1 (ESB 6635)
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Vote “Maintain” to Close Tax Loophole for Wall Street Banks
- No Campaign Web Site
This advisory vote asks voters to support or oppose the Legislature's action to close an outdated tax loophole for Wall Street Banks. A recent Tim Eyman initiative requires this symbolic vote for all bills which raise revenue or close tax loopholes. While the measure has no direct action, it's important to show support for closing unjust and costly tax loopholes for special interests.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest
Advisory Vote 2 (SHB 2590)
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Maintain Fee for Underground Fuel Tank Safety
- No Campaign Web Site
This advisory vote asks voters to support or oppose the Legislature's action to maintain a fuel-safety fee on large, commercial fuel purchases. The revenue raised by this fee is used to ensure the safety of underground gasoline storage tanks. Like Advisory Vote 1, a recent Tim Eyman initiative requires this symbolic vote for all bills which raise revenue or close tax loopholes. While the measure has no direct action, it's important to show support for this environmental and public safety measure.
Federal Races
President
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After inheriting the worst recession in generations, President Barack Obama has led our nation back onto a path toward prosperity. He has ended the war in Iraq, passed historic health insurance reform, strengthened Wall Street oversight, and steered our economy back from the brink. While he has not accomplished all that we hoped, Barack Obama has clearly earned another term.
His opponent, Mitt Romney, is proposing to double-down on the same backwards policies which got us into the recession. He has promised to roll back progress on women's right to choose, equality, and environmental protection. We can't afford four years of Romney's backwards priorities.Endorsements and Supporters include: American Federation of Teachers - Washington, Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, Equal Rights Washington, UFCW 21, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU, Environment Washington
U.S. Senator
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During her two terms in the U.S. Senate, Maria Cantwell has been a tireless advocate for working families and the environment. Senator Cantwell has led the charge to hold oil companies and big banks accountable and spearheaded efforts to protect consumers. Cantwell has also been successful in expanding our state's federal park lands and helped to establish the Big Sky Wilderness - the first new wilderness site in Washington in two decades.
Cantwell's Republican opponent, Michael Baumgartner, is a conservative first-time state senator. His primary claim to "fame" so far has been calling Cantwell unqualified to speak about birth control because she is unmarried. Re-electing Senator Cantwell will ensure that Washingtonians continue to have a strong progressive champion in the U.S. Senate.Endorsements and Supporters include: Sierra Club, OneAmerica Votes, Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU
Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger
U.S. Representative, 4th Congressional District
You will have one of the below Congressional races on your ballot.
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Mary Baechler is a progressive activist who has also run a small business. She is running to preserve Social Security and Medicare, create jobs through fair and equitable taxation, and achieve equal rights. Baechler's opponent, Doc Hastings, is known as an obstacle to progress. He is a far-right conservative who supports defunding the U.N. and climate programs, as well as consistently attacking women's rights. While It will be tough to beat Hastings in this conservative district, Baechler's strong progressive values makes her the best choice in this race.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO)
U.S. Representative, 8th Congressional District
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Karen Porterfield is the main Democratic challenger for the 8th District. Porterfield has more than 25 years of experience in the non-profit world that has shaped her progressive outlook. If elected, Porterfield would dedicate herself to fighting for women's rights, reforming Wall Street, and creating an equitable tax code. Porterfield's opponent, Republican Dave Reichert, has voted in lock-step with his party on nearly every major piece of legislation. Porterfield's progressive values, as well as Reichert's hardline conservative voting record, make Porterfield the best choice for Congress.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO)
Statewide Offices
Governor
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Representative Jay Inslee's race against Attorney General Rob McKenna is one of the most competitive gubernatorial races in the country. Inslee has a strong track record of creating green jobs and protecting our environment. In addition, Inslee has represented both sides of the Cascades in Congress, opposed the Iraq war, and worked to increase accountability and oversight for Wall Street Banks.
In contrast, McKenna is anti-marriage equality, personally anti-choice, opposed to many public transportation and conservation projects, and is an obstacle to closing unjust tax loopholes. McKenna is also well-known for his efforts to repeal health insurance reform. Jay Inslee's experience and values make him the best choice for Governor.Endorsements and Supporters include: American Federation of Teachers - Washington, Washington Conservation Voters, Cascade Bicycle Club, Sierra Club, OneAmerica Votes, Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, Fuse Washington, Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE), Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU (725NW, 925, 1199NW), League of Conservation Voters, Human Rights Campaign, Environment Washington, Washington Education Association
Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger
Lt. Governor
Progressive endorsements are split in this race. See the full guide below.
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Bill Finkbeiner is a progressive Republican in the mold of Dan Evans. His endorsements reflect the fact that he is more progressive than Brad Owen on a woman's right to choose and the environment. He was elected to the state House in 1992 and rose to become the state's youngest Senate Majority Leader. He has worked as a contractor at Microsoft and helped launch the state's first online high school. He is campaigning on a platform of reducing partisan conflict and promoting more open government.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington Conservation Voters, Cascade Bicycle Club, Equal Rights Washington, SEIU Healthcare 775 NW, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
Brad Owen has been Lieutenant Governor since 1996 and is running for his fifth term. As Lt. Governor, Owen has established himself as a conservative Democrat. He is not considered pro-choice by choice advocates and has hampered efforts to challenge Tim Eyman's super-majority requirements. He was a small business owner before entering politics in 1976, where he served in the Legislature. As Lt. Governor he has focused on trade and delivering an anti-drug and anti-bullying message in schools. The Legislative Ethics Board is investigating ethical issues related to fundraising and assets for a now-dissolved non-profit Owen ran in his office. (See details here.)
Endorsements and Supporters include: Equal Rights Washington, SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters
Secretary of State
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Kathleen Drew has a strong track record of working to increase fairness and transparency in government while encouraging innovation and growth as a public service manager for more than 25 years. Drew authored the state's Ethics in Public Service Law, helped grow UW Bothell, and created initiatives for clean and efficient uses of energy. As Secretary of State, Drew will work to ensure fair elections, streamline services for businesses, and increase community engagement. She is committed to printing a statewide primary voters' pamphlet and will increase ballot drop box locations so that everyone has equal access to voting resources. Drew will push legislation for Election Day registration and pre-registration of 16- and 17- year olds. Notably, Drew is the only progressive woman running for statewide executive office.
Endorsements and Supporters include: American Federation of Teachers - Washington, OneAmerica Votes, Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, SEIU (775NW, 925, 1199NW), NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger
State Treasurer
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Jim McIntire has done an impressive job of protecting the state's credit worthiness and fiscal reputation during challenging times. He brings a diverse range of experience to his work, having served as an economist, Chair of the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board, and former Chair of the House Finance Committee. McIntire has protected the long term interests of taxpayers, limited state debt, reduced interest costs, and encouraged investment in the future. His opponent, Sharon Hanek, is a Tea Party-style Republican who mounted a successful write-in campaign during the primary.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Council of Firefighters, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU (925, 1199NW)
State Auditor
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We are not thrilled with our choices in this race. Rep. Troy Kelley is a conservative Democrat who is more moderate on social issues. He is a previous chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Review committee, a member of the National Guard and a small business owner in Pierce County. His voting record on environmental and labor issues has been poor, and has some personal baggage with sketchy business schemes and legal problems, settled out of court. However, his opponent, James Watkins, is a far-right Tea Party supporter who wants to eliminate all Federal funding for education. Kelley isn't perfect, but he's the best choice for Washington State Auditor.
Endorsements and Supporters include: American Federation of Teachers - Washington, Children’s Campaign Fund, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Council of Firefighters, SEIU (725NW, 925, 1199NW), Washington Education Association, various local trade unions and firefighter organizations.
Attorney General
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Bob Ferguson has established a progressive track record on the King County Council on issues concerning criminal justice, government transparency, environmental protection, and support for veterans. As a lawyer, he has also successfully challenged one of Tim Eyman's initiatives and defended software patent rights. Ferguson's experience in civil law makes him well qualified for the work of the Attorney General's office. His opponent, conservative Republican Reagan Dunn, wants to be Rob McKenna's successor and likely has higher political ambitions. Dunn has been a conventional partisan Republican on the King County Council on most issues. Bob Ferguson is clearly the best qualified choice for Attorney General.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Fuse Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), SEIU (775NW, 925, 1199NW), Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Washington Education Association
Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger
Commissioner of Public Lands
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Peter Goldmark has proven his commitment to the health of the environment during his term as Commissioner of Public Lands. Goldmark has prioritized the public interest, worked to use timber responsibly, and wants to recover Puget Sound to health by 2020. Goldmark hopes to work on water sanitation and enforcing regulations on forest conservation and wildfire control. Goldmark's opponent is the far-right Tea Party favorite Clint Didier, who would be a disaster in this office.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Council of Firefighters, Washington Education Association
Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger
Insurance Commissioner
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As the state Insurance Commissioner for three terms, Mike Kreidler has brought a range of experience to the position and defended the interests of Washington residents against big insurance companies. Kreidler cut insurance rates, required that contraceptives be included in prescription drug coverage for women, and helped increase the transparency of the health insurance market. If re-elected, Kreidler will work on expanding health care access, limiting insurance company exploitation, and eliminating credit scoring as a determinant of insurance rates. His opponent, conservative insurance broker John Adams, would stifle progress made with health care reform.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, SEIU (775NW, 925, 1199NW), Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Washington Education Association
Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger
State Legislature
State Senator
If these are not the candidates on your ballot, look up your races here.
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Your Name Here? Linda Evans Parlette
There are no progressive candidates running for this position. If you are interested in running for office in the future, contact our friends at the Progressive Majority.
State Representative, Position #1
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Your Name Here? Stan Morse
There are no progressive candidates running for this position. If you are interested in running for office in the future, contact our friends at the Progressive Majority.
State Representative, Position #2
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Your Name Here? Mike Armstrong
There are no progressive candidates running for this position. If you are interested in running for office in the future, contact our friends at the Progressive Majority.
Supreme Court Justice
Position #9
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Sheryl McCloud is a broadly experienced lawyer and former union member. She is a former public defender who has also taught law as an adjunct professor. McCloud has a long track record of appellate cases — making sure that trials were conducted properly and all parties were treated fairly. She has been rated Exceptionally Well Qualified by three different bar associations.
McCloud is running against far-right candidate Richard Sanders. After losing in 2010, Sanders is running again as an anti-choice social conservative who has consistently ruled against LGBT civil rights and the environment. Sanders' time on the court has been marked by political and ethical controversies and serious questions about his temperament.Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington Conservation Voters, OneAmerica Votes, National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU (925, 1199NW), several current and retired State Supreme Court justices, and dozens of Superior Court, District Court, and Municipal Court judges.
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About This Voters Guide
The symbols indicate that a candidate has endorsements from groups dedicated to that issue area.
 Environment |
 Labor & Working Families |
 Reproductive Freedom |
 Education |
 Social Justice |
