46th District Democrats make nominations for the State Legislature for the 2012 Election

Report from the 46th Dems

The 46th District Democrats welcomed new members from Lake Forest Park and Kenmore this week, including guest and 32nd District Senator Marilyn Chase. The district expands in 2013 to add these two Northshore cities. 

The monthly general meeting included a candidate forum and was held in the Elks Club Lodge just over the LFP city boundary on 145th Street NE. The 46th District, which has long been recognized as one of the State’s most progressive districts, is anchored by the University District in the south and includes the North Seattle communities along the western shore of Lake Washington as well as the Greenlake neighborhood.

As expected, attendance at the Sunday April 15th’s Democratic Precinct Caucuses was down from the huge crowds experienced in 2008, but the 200 PCOs and members who gathered at Thursday’s general meeting were enthusiastic about supporting Barack Obama for President, Jay Inslee for Governor and other Democrats near the top of the ballot for statewide office. 

Thursday night, they were attentive and focused as they listened to many candidates running for the state legislature and other local and judicial offices.

Following Washington State Democratic Party Rules, the PCOs in the 46th District cast ballots to officially nominate their preferred Democratic candidates in the three Legislative District races. The nomination process identifies the official Democrat in these races prior to candidates filing for office with the County Auditor and Secretary of State. This step is required because the State of Washington does not have a true “primary” election, but holds an election on August 7, 2012 to narrow the field to the top two vote-getting candidates.

Candidates earning the 46th District nominations were:

• 46th District Senate Seat: Sen. David Frockt, who was appointed to the vacant Senate seat after the death of Sen. Scott White;
• 46th District House Seat 1: Rep. Gerry Pollet, who was appointed to the vacancy created when Frockt was appointed to the Senate; and
• 46th District House Seat 2: Sarajane Siegfriedt, a human services advocate and long time party activist.

Candidates for statewide, congressional and judicial positions were also in attendance to build support within the district membership in preparation for the 46th District Democrats’ Endorsement Meeting in May. 

PCOs and members were particularly interested in the candidates running for an open seat on the State Supreme Court against Republican Richard Sanders, who lost his seat in 2010. Sanders, a Vashon Island libertarian, was narrowly defeated by Charlie Wiggins after 16 years on the court. Other challengers for this open seat include Appellate lawyer Sheryl Gordon McCloud, former Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg and King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Hilyer.

Delegates and Alternates elected at the Precinct Caucuses are encouraged to attend the Legislative District Caucus to elect Delegates and Alternates to the Congressional District Caucuses for the 1st and 7th Congressional Districts, and approve the 46th District 2012 Platform. This meeting will be held on April 28th, 2012 10:00am, at Ingraham High School, 1819 N. 135th Street, Seattle.

The 46th District Democrats will meet again on May 24th at Olympic View Elementary School for the Endorsement Meeting.

Contact: 

Chad Lupkes, Chair, 46th District Democrats

Phillippa Kassover, Executive Board Member