Almost 100% of politicians want to be re-elected, and nationwide 93% of them are.1 But how many should be? After evaluating the statewide officials on the primary ballot, we believe the number who deserve to be re-elected is closer to 50%.

At Fuse we base our endorsements on two things: progressive values and research. Research means we base our decisions on what candidates do, not what they say. Progressive values means we evaluate candidates' records based on our commitment to values like fairness, opportunity, freedom, security, and responsibility.  We believe a commitment to these values is essential to improving the lives of Washingtonians and addressing the challenges of our state.

For the primary, we have the full scoop on the five most important races in the state.  Click on the link to get the whole story.  Read extremely brief summaries below.  The primary is on Tuesday, August 19th.  If you vote by absentee ballot, be sure to have your ballot postmarked by August 19th.

http://fusewashington.org/alerts/257/primary-endorsements-2008

Governor Chris Gregoire has been a strong leader on many important issues, including education, health care, and global warming. (Back in May, she earned a Fuse Sizzle award for her global warming leadership.2) No leader is perfect, but she's definitely earned a second term.

Gregoire's opponent, Dino Rossi is a former State Senator with an extremely conservative voting record.  He is anti-choice, and has a long track record of supporting conservative business interests while voting against transit, environmental protection, health care, education, and consumer protection.  
 
http://fusewashington.org/alerts/257/primary-endorsements-2008gov

Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland has lost sight of his responsibility to protect the public interest and manage resources sustainably.   He has reduced oversight, increased clear-cuts, and is too cozy with industries he regulates- with literally disastrous results.

His opponent, Peter Goldmark, an eastern Washington rancher and biologist, is an ideal candidate for Lands Commissioner. He is a former director of agriculture with a background in sustainability and bio-diversity.  As a former school board member, he vows to work to manage resources to benefit schools, especially rural schools, for the long-term.

http://fusewashington.org/alerts/257/primary-endorsements-2008lands

Attorney General Rob McKenna is smart, very ambitious, and very conservative.  He has opposed limits on irresponsible development and fought rail transit, while failing to stand up for ordinary citizens and challenge corporations on consumer protection issues like mortgage abuses.

McKenna's opponent, former Prosecutor and Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, is widely respected as a straight shooter.  He has fought for the public interest - on issues like clean drinking water and building transit --throughout his career and understands the important role of Attorney General in an era of corporate abuses and an unreliable federal government.

http://fusewashington.org/alerts/257/primary-endorsements-2008ag

Justice Mary Fairhurst is running for reelection for a second term for the Washington State Supreme Court. Fairhurst has distinguished herself as a champion for equal rights and for protecting civil liberties. She's been a leader on issues promoting equal access to justice and working on eliminating inequities in our court system.  We strongly believe she deserves our support for a second term.

Fairhurst's opponent, Seattle lawyer Michael J. Bond's experience is as a military and private lawyer.  He lacks the public service and judicial experience of Fairhurst and The Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys rated him unqualified for this position. 

http://fusewashington.org/alerts/257/primary-endorsements-2008supreme

The primary election is on Tuesday, August 19th.  For the primary we are limiting our endorsements to several critical statewide offices.  We will have a full slate of endorsements for the general election in November.  Click the link below for the full story on each of these stellar races.  Then forward this email to your friends and family to get the word out about these candidates.

http://fusewashington.org/alerts/257/primary-endorsements-2008

Thanks for all you do!

Aaron Ostrom, Fuse

Fuse helps the people who want common sense solutions to our State's problems work together to achieve their goals. We offer busy but concerned people easy ways to make your voice and values heard and make a difference.

Support our member-driven organization: Fuse depends on the support of our members. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at:

http://www.fusewashington.org/donate

1: "Re-election Rates Over the Years," http://www.opensecrets.org/bigpicture/reelect.php?cycle=2006

2: http://fusewashington.org/about/192/2008-fuse-awardscoolleadership