[Capr-announce] FW: [Capr-discussion] Whether to Vote for Reagan Dunn?

[Rodney McFarland]

This email originally was posted to our discussion list. I think it
eloquently states the difficulties of lesser known candidates so I'm
sending it to this larger list. Rod

-----Original Message-----
On Behalf Of Orin Wells
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2005 2:39 PM
To: Capr-discussion at lists.celestial.com
Subject: Re: [Capr-discussion] Whether to Vote for Reagan Dunn?


I have to agree with Brian Thomas that a write-in vote for a 
candidate who is not going to win is an effective vote for the 
Democrats.  You all remember them.  They are the ones who gave you 
the CAO and don't plan to change it if they can keep control of the 
County Council.

Whether you like or dislike Reagan Dunn for whatever reason, there is 
a bigger issue here.  If enough people do not vote, vote for the 
Democrat or cast a write-in vote we may well lose another seat on the
Council.

In that event, whether Steve Pyeatt, Brian Thomas or I win our races, 
we will find ourselves still in the minority and powerless to do 
anything about the CAO, the Election mess, Transportation or any of 
the other social problems brought on by the folks in the other party.

When George Bush won the nomination in 2000 over his opponents the 
folks supporting them did not sulk off into a corner or vote for Al 
Gore.  They pinched their noses and cast their votes for the 
Republican party candidate.

Steve, Brian and I have similar problems in trying to get elected so 
something can be changed.  We are the underdogs in our respective 
races against incumbents.  We are at a considerable disadvantage 
because none of us are known and none of us has ever run for an 
elected office let alone been elected.  This makes it is very 
difficult to attract any contributions especially when you couple 
that with a fear the potential donors have that if their name is 
found associated with the opponent of an incumbent Democrat they will 
find themselves being punished if they have to deal with the 
county.  I have seen a number of Republicans in my district who have 
contributed to the incumbent, not because they support the incumbent 
but to protect their hides in the event they need any support and the 
challenger does not win.  They correctly have the perception that if 
the Republican wins he is not likely to "punish" them when in 
office.  Others have told me they are afraid of what Julia can do to 
them.  I have no evidence, except in one case, that she has 
"punished" those who have gone against her, but I suspect she has.

It is difficult to raise the funds needed to do the work to get 
elected when all you can attract are the small contributions while 
the opponent is literally given maximum contributions of $1,350 by 
labor organizations, lawyers and other special interests.  I just 
hope the voters can see through this fog and will send the Democrats 
a clear message.  Lest you think I am mistaken:

Here is a comparison for your education.

Steven Pyeatt - Under $10,000
2 contributions for $1,350 including one from the King County Republican
Party 3 contributions of $500 or more

Bob Ferguson - almost $140,000
9 contributions for over $1,000
58 contributions of $500 or more including 10 from unions

Brian Thomas - Under $5,000
no big contributors
Larry Gossett - Almost $75,000 with $17,000 remaining
10 contributions over $1,000 including 3 Indian Tribal Sources 18
contributions of $500 or more including 3 unions and 1 more Indian Tribe

Orin Wells - Under $20,000
2 Contribution of $1,350 from the KC Republican Party and a personal 
contribution of the candidate
6 Contributions of $500 or more
Julia Patterson - Over $160,000 with $94,000 remaining
31 Contributions over $1,000 including 3 unions and an Indian Tribe 84
Contributions of $500 or more including 22 from unions and a 
multitude of construction and development companies

Now I am not whining about the unfairness of this.  After having been 
in the loop now I can see how difficult it is and I also wonder how 
in the world they can spend $160,000 on a campaign for a job that 
pays $110,000 a year.  It is obscene and REALLY wasteful to spend 
THAT much money.

I hope that I don't get executed for the following, but it is 
important to all of you as well as myself, Brian and Steve.

The bottom line here is if you folks and anyone you know want to see 
this council changed, you need to step up to the bar and help one of 
the Republican candidates out right now.  I am sitting on a mailing 
for the Poll voters which may mean the difference between winning and 
losing the race in the 5th.  I suspect that Steve and Brian are in 
the same boat.

With the Irons-Sims race, the I-900 performance audit initiative and 
the I-312 no new gas tax Initiative likely to bring out more of "our" 
base than "theirs" coupled with the voter irritation over the 
continued election problems, taxes, the CAO and transportation one or 
more of us has a reasonable chance of pulling this off.  I am sure 
that both Brian and Steve could use a boost.  I certainly could.  If 
you are ever going to help, it has to be received by Thursday or it 
will not be of no help.  If we are ever going to swing the King 
County Council back to common sense, this is the best time to do 
it.  If we catch the Democrats asleep at the wheel, we can make this 
happen.  But only with your help and right now.




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