For six Bothell residents and one Kenmore resident, the start is now for either being elected or re-elected into office.
Primary election ballots were mailed out earlier this week and the vote tallying will begin on Aug. 7. July 30 is the deadline for in-person voter registration at the county elections office for people not already registered in Washington state.
Here’s a rundown for positions covering Bothell, Kenmore and surrounding areas with statements culled from either the King County elections Web site and candidates’ sites:
• Congressional District 1 (King, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom)
U.S. Representative Partisan Office two-year term
Darshan Rauniyar – D (from Bothell)
“I am running for Congress because I know that the American dream can be saved. I want to give back to this amazing country, which has given so much to me. Our values, our greatness as Americans, must be reflected in our politics and policies if we are to give every American the chance to pursue the American dream once again.”
John Koster – R
Koster was a three-term state representative in Olympia, where he earned a reputation as a fiscal watchdog. During his time in the legislature, he was responsible for organizing the Conservative Caucus where he worked with other legislators to lower taxes and cut spending.
Suzan DelBene – D
With a lifetime of business experience and community involvement, Suzan offers a vision for economic growth based on supporting the efforts of businesses and individuals to transform innovative ideas into new opportunities. She brings a depth of experience and history of achieving results that is essential in today’s difficult economic and political environment.
Laura Ruderman – D
Laura was first elected to the State House in 1998, only the third Democrat to ever be elected from the 45th Legislative District. She was the vice chair of the Technology, Telecommunications and Energy Committee, and also served on the Appropriations, Rules and Health Care Committees. In addition to her committee assignments, she served as the vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus.
Larry Ishmael – I
His mission is to use common-sense solutions and his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors to finally solve the most pressing problems: fixing and growing the economy, strengthening the public education system and keeping the environment clean.
Steve Hobbs – D
Hobbs has been a member of the Washington State Senate since 2006. He serves as chair of the Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance Committee, in addition to serving on committees for Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development, Early Learning & K-12
Education and Transportation.
Darcy Burner – D
As Democratic nominee for Congress, she received more votes than any Democratic candidate in district before or since.
She proposes putting a halt to corporations buying elected officials by passing campaign finance and lobbying reform; opening up Congress’ business to the public; and forcing members of Congress to disclose earmarks and last-minute changes to bills.
• Congressional District 1, one-month short term (King, Kitsap, Snohomish)
U.S. Representative Partisan Office
J. Byron Holcomb – D
“Many in the 1st Congressional know me; some do not. I am known for my intelligence, zeal, abilities, grasp of things, zest, candor, understanding, compassion, solving problems and persuasiveness. I am a fighter for my beliefs. I will bring and apply these qualities to this office.”
Brian Berry – D (from Kenmore)
“I am running for the position to represent the residents of the First Congressional District because I feel that this office should be held by a strong Democrat who will lead with integrity as a hard-working advocate for the people. My history of service in the Air Force and the Democratic Party, combined with my proven management experience in the private sector uniquely qualifies me to serve in this position.”
Bob Champion – I
“I am running for this office because I believe in the future. I believe the future demands that we be brave enough to try something new. I believe the future requires that we change course, challenge the status quo and seek discourse on the problems that unite us. By working together with a vision and a plan, that future is today’s reality.”
Brian Sullivan – D
A former small-business owner, he brings a balanced approach to funding critical services and investing in our future while keeping an eye on the bottom line. As chair of Snohomish County’s Finance & Economic Committee, he helped land the Boeing tanker contract in Snohomish County and helped bring new businesses to the region.
Ruth Morrison – D
“As an hourly employee, I have developed the skills to lead and plan. The future will have many challenges and respect for many cultures is a part of my life and our communities. For a month, the privilege to serve would be a great honor.”
Steven J. Gerdes – R
“As an industry leader I have been directly involved with drafting federal industry reform legislation and working Congress to move those bills into law. In my over 50 visits to D.C., I have worked on numerous distinct projects involving the Congress, the Department of the Interior, Veterans Affairs and HUD to name a just a few.”
Darcy Burner – D
Suzan DelBene – D
Laura Ruderman – D
Darshan Rauniyar – D
John Koster – R
• Legislative District 1
State Senator Partisan Office, four-year term
Rosemary McAuliffe – D (incumbent, from Bothell)
Washington State Senate 1993-2012; Northshore School District Board of Directors 1977-1991.
“I want to continue to fight to stop cuts and fully fund basic education and higher education. I want to fight to invest in our student’s futures with Early Learning and STEM education. We must prepare our students for the high demand careers here in Washington state.”
Guy Palumbo – D
“It’s time for the 1st District to have a citizen leader representing them in the Senate instead of a career politician. I am an energetic leader who is fighting for our citizens rather than special-interest groups. I am a proven business leader offering new solutions to today’s challenges.”
Dawn McCravey – R (from Bothell)
“I am honored to have served the community for five years on the Northshore School Board. As a senator, I will keep my independent voice and work for the people in the 1st Legislative District as I have for the students of Northshore. My top priorities are education funding and reform, balancing the budget without special sessions and encouraging a business-friendly state that maintains our natural resources.”
• State Representative Pos. 1 Partisan Office, two-year term
Derek Stanford – D (incumbent, from Bothell)
“I ran two years ago because I wanted Olympia to focus on what middle-class families go through every day. Like you, I work hard, pay a mortgage and raise a family. I championed the ‘Jobs Now Act’ to create more living-wage jobs, and helped pass a budget with no further cuts to K-12 education.”
Greg Rankich – D
“Recovering from a deep recession, we must make the tough decisions to move our economy forward. With my real-world business experience, I will prioritize my efforts on spending for core services such as education, public safety and transportation.”
Sandy Guinn – R (former Bothell deputy mayor and city councilmember)
“We need new leadership in Olympia. From jobs, the budget, schools and health care, Olympia hasn’t listened and it is time for change. We must balance our budget — without costly special sessions — and demand job growth to put folks working again.”
Brian Travis – R (from Bothell)
“Washington state needs to: replace the unfair variable rate highway tolling system with a fairer flat-rate system because no one should have to pay more than an hour’s wages to get to their job; have funding for community colleges and vocational schools that offer adults a second chance in life.”
• State Representative Pos. 2 Partisan Office, two-year term
Luis Moscoso – D (incumbent)
“We must grow jobs and help local businesses thrive. That’s why I helped pass the 2012 ‘Jobs Now’ package that will create construction-related and long-term jobs for our region, improve roads and modernize college facilities. I’ve fought for increased transparency, accountability and reforms in state government; and made investments in transportation.”
• Legislative District 32
State Representative Pos. 1 Partisan Office, two-year term
Cindy Ryu – D (incumbent)
“My priorities are to amply fund education, protect consumers, neighborhoods and the environment while ensuring safety. My bills help small businesses create living-wage jobs and economic opportunity.”
Randy J. Hayden – R
“Good government balances compassion with responsibility. The state budget built on sound priorities will cut wasteful spending in order to conserve funds for catastrophes and to help the helpless and truly needy.”
• State Representative Pos. 2 Partisan Office, two-year term
Ruth Kagi – D (incumbent)
She focuses on finding ways to make government more effective. She has championed major reforms to the child-welfare system, truck safety, drug sentencing and treatment and drop-out prevention.
Robert Reedy – R
“I believe in this election that jobs and the overall economy will shape the nation’s and our state’s future. The best welfare program for most people is a good job, so let’s get the economy going.”
Eric R. Alvey – GOP
“I believe government should be responsive without becoming intrusive, providing services in a responsible manner, solving problems with compassion, funding vital programs without frivolous spending, maintaining respect for the taxpayer.”
• Superior Court Judge Pos. 11, Nonpartisan Office, four-year term
Jack Follis
He is a senior shareholder at Anderson Hunter Law Firm in Everett.
He joined Anderson Hunter in 1990 as a trial lawyer and has tried, arbitrated, mediated or negotiated settlements of hundreds of cases. He specializes in civil litigation representing individuals, small businesses and corporations.
Millie Judge
“For the past five years, I have gained judicial experience, serving as an administrative law judge for Snohomish County and several other cities and counties. Working with the public and business community in this capacity has been invaluable experience.”
For King County judicial races and more election information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
