Valenzuela, Beehler will face off

Published August 19, 2009
Valenzuela, Beehler will face off
JOHN DODGE; The Olympian
Democratic incumbent Karen Valenzuela and Republican challenger Patrick Beehler are headed to the November general election in the Thurston County Commissioner District No. 3 race.
Valenzuela polled 44.5 percent of the 10,219 votes counted election night, followed by Beehler at 36.5 percent
The odd man out is Dan Venable, 57, a conservative Democratic hopeful, Thurston County native and environmental contractor with no previous political experience. He polled 18.6 percent of the vote.
The top two vote-getters earn a spot on the November general election ballot for a countywide race. Tuesday’s primary votes were limited to District 3, which encompasses western Thurston County, including west Olympia, Cooper Point and Tumwater.
“I’m looking forward to the general election race,” Valenzuela, 59, said. “We’re supported by completely different interest groups.”
Valenzuela predicted her environmental and growth management priorities will play well in the countywide race.
The former Tumwater city council member was appointed to the commission post in January 2009 by Gov. Chris Gregoire, filling the unexpired term of fellow Democrat Bob Macleod, who resigned for medical reasons.
She has spent the first eight months helping manage a major county budget crisis, clashing with Sheriff Dan Kimball over the Sheriff’s Office budget, and promoting county policies to preserve prairie lands, return Capitol Lake to a Deschutes River estuary and combat climate change.
Beehler, a 40-year resident of Thurston County, is a professional surveyor with a history of civic and business-minded activities, including work as a former chairman of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce and as a 10-year member of the Thurston County Historic Commission.
In his first run for political office, Beehler, 64, has strong backing from the Olympia Master Builders and has been critical of Valenzuela’s handling of the county budget and rural land preservation tactics.
“I feel real good about it,” Beehler said of his second-place finish. “I look forward to campaigning in the rest of the county.”
Venable threw his support behind Beehler, saying the Republican challenger’s political positions are closely aligned with his.
“I think Valenzuela’s dealings with the sheriff’s department are out to lunch,” Venable said.
In the weeks leading up to the Tuesday primary vote, Beehler raised $24,238 and spent $18,502, according to state Public Disclosure Commission records. Valenzuela raised $22,306 and spent $13,280 while Venable raised $5,960 and spent $5,111.
The commission seat pays $105,276 a year and will be up for election again in 2010 for a four-year term.
John Dodge: 360-754-5444
jdodge@theolympian.com

Technorati Tags: pat beehler,thurston county,commissioner

Obama’s failed experiment

The RNC releases an ad of Obama’s first 200 days calling it a failed experiment.

 

 

Technorati Tags: obama,president,failed experimnet,rnc,gop,republicans

Realtors snub Karen Valenzuela

You may be wondering: “Who is missing from the Realtor’s endorsement?” Karen Valenzuela?

With a strong message of change, the Realtors endorsed both challengers to the County commission. An unusual move to be sure, but the message is clear: Not many are happy with the current board of commissioners and pretty much everyone wants a change.

The press release from Beehler’s and Venable’s campaign follows:

------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pat Beehler can be reached at (360) 339-7923

Dan Venable can be reached at (360) 239-3828

Beehler and Venable receive co-endorsement from Thurston County Realtors

Olympia, WA, August 6, 2009 The Thurston County REALTORS® Association surprised two local candidates with the PRE-Primary joint endorsement in the special election for Thurston  County Commissioner this week. 

All three candidates were sent questionnaires, and invited for interviews by local REALTORS®.  "Their questions were not only fair and reasonable, but also exactly the kinds of questions on voters minds all over the county",  candidate Pat Beehler (R) said.  "With over 700 members, the Thurston County REALTORS®  is uniquely situated to talk to and hear from people all over Thurston County.  It was great hearing from them, and I'm honored by their endorsement, and look forward to working with them."

Dan Venable (D) said "REALTORS®  are tuned into the local economy, and a key part of Thurston County's small business engine, and must be commended for their commitment to political involvement.  Candidates need to hear from the constituents, their organizations and associations - and the REALTORS® do a great job of interviewing candidates, and once elected keeping their elected officials informed.  I'm very pleased with their endorsement."

"The pre-primary 'dual endorsement' speaks to the similarities between Beehler and Venable.  Both have a business background, respect for property owners, and legitimate concerns about the management of the business of the County, "Mark Steves, President Thurston County REALTORS® observed. 

"And, both Venable and Beehler have a more realistic approach to problem solving, and do not affiliate themselves with extreme agendas, nor offer wide and sweeping platforms unaffordable in today's economy," Steves concluded.

###

Technorati Tags: karen valenzuela

Technorati Tags: pat beehler,dan venable,realtors,endorsement,thurston county,commissioner

Colleen Morse calls for Brian Baird’s Apology

For Immediate Release                      

August 7, 2009

Media Contact: Colleen Morse

(360) 807-1983 

Baird Should Apologize for Comments

Centralia, WA – In an article published in the Chronicle on August 6^th, Congressman Brian Baird is stated as saying that he is scrubbing his normal face-to-face town hall meetings with his constituents because of a “lynch-mob mentality” and in the Columbian he accused his political opponents of planning "an ambush" to disrupt his meetings, using methods Baird compared to Nazism.  "What we're seeing right now is close to Brown Shirt tactics," Baird, D-Vancouver, said in a phone interview. "I mean that very seriously.".” 

In response to this reckless smear, Lewis County Republican Party Chairwoman and Washington State Republican Party Treasurer, Colleen Morse issued the following request for a public apology to his constituents, as well as appeal to hold public meetings.

“Representative Baird, as a psychologist and former college professor, knows the importance of the words he uses.  The reference to Nazism and the equating of his constituents to Brown Shirts is very offensive, not only to the brave veterans in our state who have fought in wars from Europe to Iraq and Afghanistan, but to all freedom-loving citizens who value their right to express their personal opinions about the actions being taken by their elected representatives – whether or not they agree with them.”  

“Representative Baird’s has never been reluctant to stand before his constituents in the past.  He prides himself on his record of town hall meetings all over the 3^rd Congressional District.  Extremely vocal opposition to any position he has taken in the past has never prevented him from standing up at meetings, listening to what the voters in his district felt about his positions and giving his reasons for his vote. 

“Hiding from his constituents now during this very crucial break, not being willing to listen to them – no matter the difference of opinion they may hold - and stating that he will take up town hall meetings in September, only leads me to one conclusion – Brian Baird is not in Washington, DC to represent us, but to do the bidding of the President and Nancy Pelosi.  If he is not willing to meet with us, then he should seriously consider not running for the office again.  Representative Baird should reconsider his decision and quickly set up and advertise meetings throughout his Congressional district before he returns to Washington, DC,” Mrs. Morse added.

###

Technorati Tags: colleen morse,brian baird,health care,town hall meetings

Brian Baird cancels live town hall meetings

For Immediate Release                                                                              

Contact: Patrick Bell, www.wsrp.org

August 6, 2009

Paranoia Will Destroy Ya…
Brian Baird Sees Brown Shirts In His Sleep, And We’re Not Talking About UPS Delivery Men

“What we’re seeing right now is close to Brown Shirt tactics. I mean that very seriously.”
--Brian Baird, The Columbian, Aug. 6, 2009

“It’s hard to tell which is more ridiculous: 1) Brian Baird comparing opponents of government-run health care to Adolf Hitler’s Nazi stormtroopers, or 2) taking any of Brian Baird’s disingenuous double-talk on health care seriously, let alone very seriously.
--WSRP Chairman Luke Esser

Bellevue, WA -- Congressman Brian Baird announced in a story in The Columbian this morning that he will no longer hold live town hall meetings with his constituents because he feared “Brown Shirt tactics.” Interestingly, Baird is scheduled to be the keynote speaker tonight at the annual conference of the American Psychologists Association in Toronto, Canada. WSRP Chairman Luke Esser offered the following statement:
“Brian Baird may be terrified of speaking with his constituents during the August congressional recess, but he’s apparently not afraid of speaking at a conference of psychologists in Toronto, Canada. Baird is proving that he definitely has the courage to leave the country and speak to a group that won’t ask him why he’s racking up unprecedented levels of federal spending and deficits and voting for so many bills he hasn’t read. Tough questions and forthright comments are such a hassle, so thank goodness Brian Baird will be welcomed by such a friendly audience in a country with the type of government-run health care he and Nancy Pelosi are trying to recreate in America. Maybe while he’s there one of the psychologists in attendance can diagnose Baird and explain why he sees so many Nazi stormtroopers dancing in brown shirts in his dreams. We wish him a full and speedy recovery from his delusions.”

###

Technorati Tags: brian baird,brown shirts,congress,town hall meetings

Jon Russell to hold town hall meetings on health care

PRESS RELEASE
AUGUST 5th, 2009
http://www.jonrussell.us/
Campaign Phone: 360-624-4934

WASHOUGAL- 3rdDistrict Republican Candidate Jon Russell will be hosting four town hall meetings focusing primarily on the federal deficit and health care reform.  Current Congressman Brian Baird has not scheduled any in-person town hall meetings to hear from constituents during the Congressional break. 
“There appears to be a leadership void on national issues which will impact residents of Southwest Washington. I want to hear from the constituents of Washington’s 3rdCongressional District about issues and concerns they have with Congress and the direction of our country. Even if we do not agree on everything, it is important that I hear from them,” Russell Said.

Town halls have been scheduled for the following dates:

• Clark County:  August 22nd, 2009 2pm- Three Creeks Community Library 800 C-NE Tenney Rd. Vancouver, WA.
• Cowlitz County: August 24th, 2009 7pm Cowlitz County Historical Museum (Community Room-Rear Entrance) 405 Allen Street, Kelso, WA.
• Thurston County: August 25th 6pm-Tumwater Timberland Library 7023 New Market St SW, Tumwater, WA.
• Lewis County: August 26thth, 2009 7pm- Kit Carson Restaurant (Meeting Room) 107 Interstate Ave. Chehalis, WA.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate. Federal issues not pertaining to the federal deficit and health care reform are also welcome. Future town hall meetings in Pacific, Wahkiakum & Skamania Counties are being scheduled for September.

Jon Russell is a Washougal City Councilman and owner of an urgent and family care clinic.

Technorati Tags: jon russell,congress,brian baird

David Castillo disgusted by Brian Baird’s recent comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2009

BAIRD RUNNING SCARED

King of Town Halls refers to constituents as Nazis, ‘lynch-mob’

OLYMPIA, WA – Anyone who has met Brian Baird knows that the congressman prides himself on the number of Town Hall meetings he has held in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District.  In fact, he has a page dedicated to these meetings on his Web site with no less than four links to it from the home page.

On the page Baird writes, “Each year, I hold as many public town meetings throughout the Third Congressional District as possible because I believe the concept of meeting face-to-face with elected officials is at the heart of our democracy. …There won't be any big speeches – just a lot of listening and a free exchange of ideas.” (Bold emphasis added.)

David Castillo, candidate for Congress, agrees with these sentiments but is perplexed as to why Baird refuses to face the public regarding his position on health care reform.  Moreover, Castillo is astonished that a sitting congressman would have the gall to compare hard-working American citizens to Nazis, or a “lynch-mob,” as Baird did recently in local media.

“As an American with ancestors who faced real lynch-mobs, I am more than offended by his flippant use of that term.  I am disgusted,” states Castillo.

As someone with extensive experience as a public servant, Castillo is amazed that an elected official with more than a decade in office would not have the foresight to see this coming, or furthermore, have such thin skin when it comes to strong public opposition.

“From bailouts for billionaires, to trillions of dollars in deficit spending placed on the backs of our children and grandchildren, to a disastrous Cap and Trade policy that will skyrocket our energy costs – Brian Baird has been a part of fundamentally changing our nation,” continues Castillo.  “And now he doesn’t understand why most voters are upset that he also wants the federal government to take over their healthcare?  Leadership involves making tough decisions and real leaders are never afraid to meet with those that may disagree with them.”

Castillo is a U.S. Navy veteran and former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs – where he had a birds-eye view of government run health care. 

“The government runs Medicare, Medicaid and the VA.  If members of Congress who support a ‘public option’ were forced to utilize any of these systems, rather than their private insurance, they may quickly change their mind on what constitutes sound reform,” asserts Castillo.

Castillo currently works as a financial advisor with Edward Jones.  He grew up in Centralia and currently resides in Olympia with his wife Callie and their three-year-old son.

# # #

Technorati Tags: david castillo,brian baird,congress

GOP leaders call for Baird’s apology

For Immediate Release                                         
August 6, 2009
Media Contact: Nansen Malin (360) 244-3294

Baird Should Apologize for Comment

Seaview, WA -- Congressman Brian Baird told The Columbian newspaper in an interview today that he feared doing face-to-face town hall meetings with his constituents because of a “lynch-mob mentality” and the potential for “Brown Shirt tactics.”  In response to this reckless smear, Pacific County Republican Party Chairwoman and Republican 3rd Congressional District Co-Chair, Nansen Malin issued the following call for a prompt public apology:

“Brian Baird should be ashamed of himself.  As an elected official and former college professor, he should know better than to paint constituents who disagree with him as violent mobs or Nazi thugs.  His comments are irresponsible and he should apologize immediately.”

Brent Boger, Malin’s 3rd Congressional District Co-Chair and Clark County Republican State Committeeman comments, “Is there no limit to what Democrats will say about those who disagree with them? Brian Baird calls government health care opponents Brown Shirts and his leader, Nancy Pelosi, says they carry swastikas.”

Representative Baird’s reluctance to speak with the people he is supposed to represent is, frankly, a little puzzling. When he declared his support for the Iraq surge, he held several town halls, defending his stand to the angry crowds irate with the position he took.  As polls show a growing and majority opposition to the Health Care Bill currently before Congress, Rep. Baird would be well advised to take time to listen to the voters of the 3rd Congressional District before returning to Washington DC to vote on such an important and far reaching bill.

“We should expect more from a sitting U.S. Congressman than to call names and disparage citizens in order to provide himself political cover for being unresponsive and out of touch.” Malin adds.

###

Technorati Tags: brian baird,congress,brown shirts,nansen malin

Brian Baird in hot water over ‘Brown Shirts’ comment

Brian Baird has rescheduled his public town meetings, and now wants to meet in secrecy on the phone. He is worried that opposition to Obama’s health care reform could turn out hundreds of angry constituents.

Town hall meetings are supposed to be a forum for debates, and at times you may even have to deal with someone that has a differing opinion.

Baird’s problems started when he called out his fears that there would be a ‘mob’ mentality and likened his opposition to the Nazi ‘brown shirts’. Has Brian Baird become disconnected with his constituents?

The Columbian- Baird calls constituents Brown Shirts  http://www.columbian.com/article/20090806/NEWS02/708069952
The Olympian- Lynch Mob Mentality - http://www.theolympian.com/topstories/story/932112.html
NW Digest- Baird refusing to do face to face meetings… http://www.theolympian.com/topstories/story/932112.html
RedState- more on the Brown Shirts  http://www.redstate.com/jrichardson/2009/08/06/dem-congressman-fears-ambush-by-brown-shirt/

Technorati Tags: brian baird,congress,brown shirts,mob,columbian,the olympian,redstate.com

Rob McKenna weighs in

THURSTON COUNTY: McKenna weighs in on commissioner contest

THE OLYMPIAN BLOG

State Attorney General Rob McKenna endorsed fellow Republican Pat Beehler in the Thurston County commissioner race, echoing a similar endorsement by the Thurston County Republican Party.

Beehler, a Tumwater surveyor, is running against Democratic appointee Karen Valenzuela and Democrat Dan Venable for the District 3 seat, which represents the western third of the county.

Technorati Tags: pat beehler,thurston county,commissioner

Pat Beehler has a positive outlook

This letter to the editor appeared in The Olympian August 5, 2009
I am writing to encourage voters of the 3rd District to support Pat Beehler’s candidacy as Thurston County Commissioner in the upcoming August primary.
It is obvious that the economic storm has reached the people of Thurston County at several levels: employment, services, public safety and recreation. But our county is uniquely positioned to weather this downturn and restore its viability with the right leader.
After speaking with Pat and the other candidates, Pat is the only candidate to have expressed a positive outlook for our county which aims to improve government efficiency and preserve the local citizens’ priorities. And given his professional background and public service, it is promising that Pat’s approach will be thorough, proactive and responsive. Now is a critical time for our county that calls for a leader to make sound judgements which reflect the voters’ needs. I want responsible solutions to the current issues challenging our public safety and economic development. I am voting for Pat Beehler.
CHAD SUTTER
Olympia
Learn more about Pat Beeler by visiting his website: http://www.patbeeler.com/

Karen Valenzuela launches her smear campaign

Postcards landed today that were authorized by Jim Lazar, and Walt Jorgensen. Their political action committee is called 'Citizens for Integrity in Government' and is set up solely to smear candidates that they don't like.

The postcard is a ho-hum message saying that local candidates are bought and held accountable to certain special interest groups such as the Realtors.

I have some news for these attack mongers: This is local politics, it's not Washington DC. We're talking about a few hundred dollars that these groups donate. Hardly enough to buy votes.

On the other hand, if Jim Lazar and Walt Jorgensen were wanting to disclose special interest donations, they would tell everyone the people that are 'buying' Karen Valenzuela's votes. Since they didn't, here you go:

Diane Parish, Black Rock Investment Manager $500 -- Interesting note: Diane Parish is from Sausalito CA, has donated to Howard Dean, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton's campaigns. What is a big donor from California doing contributing to a local candidate in Thurston County? Now that is odd.

Gail Sheikhizadeh, State Farm Insurance $500

Thurston Conservation Voters, a special interest group $500. This is yet another out-of-town group supporting Karen. They are from Seattle. What is Seattle's interest in our commissioner's race?

Mariella Cummings, Results Incorporated

Hey, and look at that. Jim Lazar shows up contributing money to Karen's campaign as well, er or is that buying votes Jim?

Here is Karen Valenzuela's complete donor list if you would like to see who has been "buying" her votes according to Jim Lazar's logic.

Jim Lazar is the significant other of City of Olympia's Karen Messmer. It's hard to believe that a city councilmember's household would be involved in such obscene smear campaigns. How's that for Integrity of Government? I would have thought a council member was just a little more upstanding. Not that I think you have to be married to have a solid relationship, but perhaps even Karen thinks Jim is too toxic to take on his last name, hmm??

If I was a donor to Karen's campaign, I would have second thoughts about getting too close. Perhaps I would be considered buying votes by Lazar. I wonder if her campaign is falling apart if at least one of her contributors is already having to resort to a smear campaign.

Sorry Karen, my vote is going to candidates that don't campaign from the gutter.

More about 'Integrity in Government'

Here is the contact information as reported:
CIT FOR INTEGRITY IN GOVT
Address:
PO BOX 1423
OLYMPIA WA 98507

Phone: 360-786-1822