Delegates representing unions from across Washington that are affiliated with the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO voted May 19 on early election endorsements at the state labor federation’s 2018 COPE (Committee on Political Education) Convention at the Machinists 751 Hall in Seattle.
Washington uses a top-two primary in which all candidates face off, and all voters may vote for any candidate. The two candidates receiving the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, move on to the general election. The primary election is Aug. 7.
Maria Cantwell was endorsed for re-election to the U.S. Senate. The Democrat from Edmonds, Wash., is seeking a fourth term.
WSLC also endorsed newcomer Carolyn Long to the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties in Southwest Washington. Long is running against Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Republican. Delegates voted to actively oppose Beutler.
Other statewide election endorsements:
STATE SUPREME COURT
- Position 2Â Susan Owens
- Position 8Â Steve Gonzalez
- Position 9Â Sheryl Gordon McCloud
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
- LD 17 Position 1Â Tanisha Harris
- LD 17 Position 2Â Damion Jiles
- LD 18 Position 2Â Kathy Gillepie
- LD 49 Position 1Â Sharon Wiley
- LD 49 Position 2Â Monica Stonier
BALLOT MEASURES
- Initiative 1608 OPPOSEÂ Makes collective bargaining negotiations public meetings.
- Initiatives 1644Â and 981 SUPPORT Repeals I-200, which prohibited affirmative action policies with regards to race and gender by state and local government.
Additional endorsement action will be taken at the WSLC’s 2018 Constitutional Convention July 17-19 in Wenatchee.
I can hardly believe it. You overlooked the candidate that is a long time unionist, pro-labor activist, veteran and would be the best at representing working people. Steve Hoffman for senate.
Oh of course, you’d rather back a Democrat, Maria (big business) Cantwell, who has done WHAT for labor?
Pretty sad! And should make unionists pretty mad! Steve is a Socialist & feminist. That is a GOOD thing. Read his platform. You do us a great disservice, especially now when labor is under attack.
VOTE STEVE HOFFMAN!
(Your editors should seek employment at some union busting paper!)
Kathleen, we didn’t overlook anyone. We reported on the endorsements made by the Washington State Labor Council, the state AFL-CIO. Don’t shoot the messenger.