Get The Facts Before You Vote!

Suzan DelBene is listed in the Progressive Voters Guide below. The Washington Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information and analysis you need to make informed decisions every election. Remember to vote in every race on your ballot — it's our right and our responsibility as Americans. Please share this guide with your friends and family.

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Washington

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You are viewing content from a previous election (November 4th, 2014). You can view information for the current election here.

Statewide Ballot Measures

Initiative #1351

  • VOTE YES
  • Washington state was ranked as having the fourth most crowded classrooms in the country, making it hard for teachers to teach and students to learn. Like I-728, which was approved by voters in the 2000 election, I-1351 defines specific class size goals that would be reached over four years. It sets a goal of 15 students per teacher in K-3 grades in schools that have high rates of poverty, with higher ratios set for grades beyond third. To meet these goals, schools would have to hire 7,500 new teachers across the state. Some progressives oppose I-1351 because it is expensive, does not include a funding source, and could preclude other important investments. We are recommending a yes vote to send a strong message to the legislature to fully fund education.

    Vote YES for smaller class sizes

    Washington state was ranked as having the fourth most crowded classrooms in the country, making it hard for teachers to teach and students to learn. Like I-728, which was approved by voters in the 2000 election, I-1351 defines specific class size goals that would be reached over four years. It sets a goal of 15 students per teacher in K-3 grades in schools that have high rates of poverty, with higher ratios set for grades beyond third. To meet these goals, schools would have to hire 7,500 new teachers across the state.

  • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Service Employees International Union, Washington CAN!
    Media: The Stranger
    Other: Bellevue School Board, Walla Walla School Board, Tacoma Council PTA
  • Website: http://classsizecountswa.com/about
    Endorsements: http://classsizecountswa.com/supporters
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassSizeCountsWA

Initiative #591

  • VOTE NO
  • I-591 prevents Washington state from adopting any standards for background checks that are stronger than the relatively weak requirements in our Federal law. It would maintain the loophole that allows domestic abusers and other convicted criminals to purchase firearms over the Internet or in a parking lot. The gun lobby filed Initiative 591 to confuse and distract voters from supporting universal background checks. Vote no on Initiative 591.

    Vote NO on I-591

    I-591 prevents Washington state from adopting any standards for background checks that are stronger than the relatively weak requirements in our Federal law. It would maintain the loophole that allows domestic abusers and other convicted criminals to purchase firearms over the Internet or in a parking lot. The gun lobby filed Initiative 591 to confuse and distract voters from supporting universal background checks. Vote no on Initiative 591.

Initiative #594

Advisory Vote #8

  • VOTE MAINTAINED
    Vote MAINTAINED on Statewide Advisory Ballot Measure #8
  • Thanks to a Tim Eyman initiative, the state legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. A bipartisan majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that marijuana is not a farm product eligible for tax breaks like wheat or dairy. The uncontroversial Senate Bill 6505 passed the legislature 112 to 42. Vote to "maintain" this measure.

    Vote "Maintain" on Tax Advisory Vote No. 8

    Thanks to a Tim Eyman initiative, the state legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. A bipartisan majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that marijuana is not a farm product eligible for tax breaks like wheat or dairy. The uncontroversial Senate Bill 6505 passed the legislature 112 to 42. Vote to "maintain" this measure.

  • Media: The Stranger

Advisory Vote #9

  • VOTE MAINTAINED
    Vote MAINTAINED on Statewide Advisory Ballot Measure #9
  • This is another Eyman advisory vote. An overwhelming majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that federally recognized Native American tribes must follow the same tax rules as state and local governments when it comes to privately leasing land that is owned exclusively by the tribe. The uncontroversial House Bill 1287 passed the legislature 93 to 44. Vote to "maintain" this measure.

    Vote "Maintain" on Tax Advisory Vote No. 9

    This is another Eyman advisory vote. An overwhelming majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that federally recognized Native American tribes must follow the same tax rules as state and local governments when it comes to privately leasing land that is owned exclusively by the tribe. The uncontroversial House Bill 1287 passed the legislature 93 to 44. Vote to "maintain" this measure.

  • Media: The Stranger

Congress

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.

1st Congressional District

U.S. Representative

2nd Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Rick Larsen photo
    Democrat
    Rick Larsen
  • Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate, pragmatic Democrat who has been a strong advocate for jobs, transportation, and infrastructure projects in the 2nd District since he was first elected to Congress in 2000. He has also led efforts to protect voting rights, fought to reform student loans, and has been a champion of Wall Street reform. Unfortunately, Larsen angered many progressives with his support of the new contract that eliminated hard-earned pension benefits for Boeing machinists. Before serving in Congress he served on the Snohomish County Council and worked on economic development for the City of Everett.

    Larsen's opponent, BJ Guillot, is running on an extremely conservative Tea Party platform. Larsen’s experience, broad support, and generally progressive track record make him a good choice in this race.

    Rick Larsen

    Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate, pragmatic Democrat who has been a strong advocate for jobs, transportation, and infrastructure projects in the 2nd District since he was first elected to Congress in 2000.

  • Social Justice: National Organization for Women
    Other: Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Bellingham-Whatcom County Firefighters, Snohomish County Democrats, Whatcom County Democrats, Washington State Young Democrats
  • Website: http://ricklarsen.org
    Endorsements: http://www.ricklarsen.org/endorsements/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rick-Larsen/20809300888

3rd Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Bob Dingethal photo
    Democrat
    Bob Dingethal
  • Bob Dingethal is running for Congress because he supports a stronger middle class, equal pay for equal work, and investments in education, infrastructure, and good jobs here in the United States. Dingethal would bring more than 35 years of experience in the public, private and non-profit sector with him to Congress.

    Dingethal faces a tough race against incumbent Jaime Herrera Beutler, an extremely conservative Republican. She has consistently sided with some of the most conservative members of her party on issues like health care, environmental protection, immigration reform, and economic fairness. Dingethal is the best choice in this race.

    Bob Dingethal

    Bob Dingethal is running for Congress because he supports a stronger middle class, equal pay for equal work, and investments in education, infrastructure, and good jobs here in the United States.

  • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council
    Other: Vancouver Firefighters IAFF 452, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555
  • Website: http://bobdingethal.com/
    Endorsements: http://bobdingethal.com/?page_id=485
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobforcongress

4th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Dan Newhouse photo
    Republican
    Dan Newhouse
  • The only candidates in this race are conservative Republicans who are out of step with mainstream values on many issues. Nevertheless, Dan Newhouse is the better choice in this race. Newhouse is facing Clint Didier, who is an extreme right-wing Tea Party activist and failed candidate for state Commissioner of Public Lands. While we don't agree with Newhouse on his positions on women's health, the environment, or other important issues, he would bring a level of professionalism and rationality that Didier lacks. Newhouse is the best choice in this race.

    Dan Newhouse

    The only candidates in this race are conservative Republicans who are out of step with mainstream values on many issues. Nevertheless, Dan Newhouse is the better choice in this race.

  • Website: http://dannewhouse.com/
    Endorsements: http://dannewhouse.com/endorsements/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.newhouse.WA

5th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Joe Pakootas photo
    Democrat
    Joe Pakootas
  • Joe Pakootas is a community leader and businessman credited with turning around the Colville Tribe’s business enterprises during his time as CEO. He also served as an elected member and Chairman of the tribal council. He is challenging conservative Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who is a top member of the Republican leadership in the House. She helped lead the House Republican’s extremely partisan agenda — including blocking emergency benefits for the unemployed and cutting $40 billion from food stamps, which would have taken basic food supplies away from 4 million people including seniors, veterans and kids. McMorris Rodgers also opposed efforts to increase the minimum wage and blocked laws to end pay discrimination against women. Pakootas would be a refreshing change of leadership for the 5th Congressional District.

    Joe Pakootas

    Joe Pakootas is a community leader and businessman credited with turning around the Colville Tribe’s business enterprises during his time as CEO. He also served as an elected member and Chairman of the tribal council.

  • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council
  • Website: http://www.pakootasforcongress.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pakootasforcongress

6th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Derek Kilmer photo
    Democrat
    Derek Kilmer
  • Derek Kilmer is a moderate Democrat who is a reliable supporter of creating jobs and improving infrastructure. He has been a leader on small business development and protecting Puget Sound during his first term. A former state Senator, he worked as a business consultant and economic development official before becoming a legislator. Kilmer is being challenged by Republican Marty McClendon, a conservative Kilmer soundly defeated in 2010, who is running on a campaign of repealing Obamacare. Kilmer’s experience and ability to work across the aisle on behalf of the district make him the best choice in this race.

    Derek Kilmer

    Derek Kilmer is a moderate Democrat who is a reliable supporter of creating jobs and improving infrastructure. He has been a leader on small business development and protecting Puget Sound during his first term.

  • Environment: Sierra Club
    Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Teamsters Joint Council 28
    Other: Planned Parenthood Action Fund
  • Website: http://www.derekkilmer.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elect.Derek.Kilmer

7th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

8th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

9th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

10th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Denny Heck photo
    Democrat
    Denny Heck
  • Denny Heck has had a long, effective career in both the private and public sectors, most notably as a five-term state representative, House majority leader, chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Gardner, and TVW co-founder. As a Congressman for the last two years, he has fought to make college more affordable, worked to lower health care costs, ensure veterans get the benefits they deserve, and create middle class jobs.

    Heck is being challenged by Republican Joyce McDonald, a Pierce County Councilwoman, former state legislator, and former Republican Party official whom he defeated by double digits in the primary. Heck’s track record, experience, and values make him the best choice in this race.

    Denny Heck

    Denny Heck has had a long, effective career in both the private and public sectors, most notably as a five-term state representative, House majority leader, chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Gardner, and TVW co-founder.

  • Economic Justice: Washington State Labor Council, Teamsters Joint Council 28
    Other: Planned Parenthood Action Fund
  • Website: http://www.dennyheckforcongress.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DennyHeckforCongress

State Supreme Court

Position #1

Position #3

  • Mary E. Fairhurst photo
    Mary E. Fairhurst
  • Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association. Throughout her career, she has worked to enhance opportunities for women and people of color in law and has been awarded many awards for her work. She has also led the first statewide conferences on domestic violence and planned and facilitated a youth violence summit. Fairhurst is running unopposed and deserves your vote.

    Mary E. Fairhurst

    Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association.

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeFairhurst

Position #4

Position #7