Evan Smith: Coday says that votes went along party lines

By Evan Smith

ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

Republican Art Coday notes that 32nd Legislative District voters “cast their ballots almost exclusively along party lines” in the November election.

Coday, who lost to Democrat Cindy Ryu by a 61 percent to 39 percent margin, said Monday, “Considering the diversity of the six candidates involved, it is highly likely that the uniformity of results is explained by partisanship.”

While Ryu defeated Coday 61-39 for an open House seat, Democrat Maralyn Chase defeated Republican David Baker 60-39 for the State Senate seat, and incumbent Democratic State Rep. Ruth Kagi defeated Republican Gary Gagliardi by a 64-35 margin.

Coday added that voter sentiment correlated more strongly with party affiliation than it did with the issues.

“This observation is based on the fact that voters in King and Snohomish counties voted in favor of Initiative 1053 which would make it more difficult to raise taxes because it would require a two-thirds majority of the Washington State Legislature to do so,” he noted, “Similarly, they voted against Initiative 1098 which would have imposed a state income tax.

“Yet in spite of the apparent majority preference among voters against tax increases and the income tax in particular, the majority of voters in the 32nd Legislative District voted for candidates who support high levels of taxation, support a state income tax, or at the very least who affiliate with the Democratic Party in Washington, the party committed to perpetual growth in government, government spending, and taxation.

“For example, my Democratic opponent was very outspoken that she supported imposition of a state income tax. By contrast, I was very outspoken that I opposed imposition of a state income tax.

“For the time being, our state Constitution will protect the voting majority against legislative tax increases and a state income tax because for two years it prevents the Legislature from changing or overturning the initiative. But after two years, the Legislature will once again be free to disregard voter intent and do as it pleases.

“Regarding the two-thirds requirement necessary to raise taxes, the people have been forced to pass this by initiative multiple times because the Legislature appears indifferent to the will of the voters.

“My message to voters is simple. If you are serious about wanting fiscal responsibility from your state government, including greater efficiency, less waste, less fraud and abuse, and greater accountability for how your tax dollars are spent and the results you get from government, pay more attention to the candidates you support.

“The very fact that it has proved necessary to rein in a fiscally reckless Washington State Legislature and Governor multiple times in recent years through ballot initiatives is proof that many of you are voting for candidates who do not share your views on fiscal matters.

“For those of you who vote mostly or exclusively Democrat, you might wish to consider the inescapable conclusion: Your party may not adequately represent your values.”

Despite his political differences with Ryu, Coday thanked her for her willingness to serve.