Paul Ryan’s Visit to Washington State
Paul Ryan paid a visit to the Pacific Northwest this week to promote the Republican plan to cut taxes for corporations and the ultra-wealthy. And we were ready! Democrats rallied to let Paul Ryan know that Washington State does not share his values or his vision.
On Wednesday night, Speaker Paul Ryan held a fundraiser at the Waverly Country Club near Portland, Oregon with Greg Walden of Oregon’s second congressional district and Washington State’s very own Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler. Earlier this year, Walden played a key role in drafting the House Republicans’ plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Protesters outside Paul Ryan’s fundraiser with Jaime Herrera Beutler and Greg Walden (photo from The Oregonian).
According to the Oregonian, about 200 people showed up at the Waverly Country Club to protest the Republican fundraiser and let Ryan, Walden, and Jaime Herrera Beutler know that voters in the Pacific Northwest do not approve of the Republican agenda or Republicans’ continued support of Donald Trump.
Paul Ryan spent Thursday in Washington State, and our Chair Tina Podlodowski made a welcome video for the Speaker, to let him know that we do things a bit differently in Washington State. Take a look at Tina’s video statement to Paul Ryan (it’s quick — less than a minute long).
On Thursday morning, Paul Ryan held a closed “town hall” at Boeing’s Everett site, attended by Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington’s 4th Congressional District. Unfortunately (but perhaps not surprisingly) the event was not open to members of the public, but Democrats involved in groups such as Indivisible WA and Not One Penny joined together in Everett to oppose Ryan’s proposed tax plan.
Paul Ryan’s welcoming party in Everett (photo tweeted to us by @jlgoldmankeen).
Because the vast majority of Washingtonians were not allowed to attend the event, we asked you to send us your questions, and during Paul Ryan’s “town hall” we tweeted many of them directly at the Speaker with the hashtag #DearPaulRyan. You can see the thread here. Feel free to tweet your own questions to Paul Ryan, and make sure to use the hashtag!
No response from Paul Ryan yet, but we’ll update you if he suddenly finds the courage to answer any of your questions.
It’s Time for WA Republicans to Stand Up to President Trump
Speaking of Republicans in need of courage, Republican Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, Jaime Herrera Beutler, and Dan Newhouse have yet to denounce President Trump’s statements defending neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
But there’s one Republican who has a lot to say about Donald Trump’s hurtful remarks: Donald Trump.
At a rally in Phoenix on Tuesday night, President Trump doubled down on his response to the hateful demonstrations in Charlottesville. In fact, he spent a major portion of his speech rereading parts of his earlier remarks — omitting the controversial parts — and tried to portray himself as a victim who has been unfairly criticized by the media. This rant was not only unprofessional and infantile; it was also deeply insensitive to the real victims of violence and hate in Charlottesville.
Trump then threatened to shut down the government if Congress doesn’t vote to fund construction of his border wall, and he hinted that he would pardon convicted criminal Joe Arpaio, the former sheriff from Arizona who has become a symbol of racism and bigotry. And on Friday evening, Trump followed through and pardoned Arpaio.
Trump’s unhinged remarks in Phoenix only confirm that he lacks the judgment and dignity necessary for the Presidency. Enough is enough. It’s time for Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, Jaime Herrera Beutler, and Dan Newhouse to stand with decent Americans everywhere by standing up to Donald Trump.
2018 Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan
The 2018 Democratic State Convention is quickly approaching! There is a lot of work to do in 2018. The state party is finalizing our 2018 Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan (DSAAP) and we would like to hear your input. Please review our proposed 2018 plan here and let us know your feedback by September 1, 2017. Feedback should be directed to partyaffairs@wa-democrats.org.
Interested in the 2020 delegate selection process for the 2020 National Convention? That process is created based on guidelines from the DNC. Click here to provide us with feedback on what you’d like us to advocate for regarding 2020 requirements.
Eastside Dinner with DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake
This year’s Eastside Dinner will be held on Saturday, September 16. Special guests and speakers will include DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake, Senator Maria Cantwell, Washington State Democrats Chair Tina Podlodowski, State Senator Patty Kuderer, State Representative Vandana Slatter, and state Senate candidate for the 45th Legislative District Manka Dhingra, whose victory in this year’s special election would put control of the State Senate in the hands of Democrats!
You can purchase tickets for the Eastside Dinner and/or VIP Reception here.
Keep your eyes peeled for other opportunities to meet Michael Blake that weekend!
The 9th Women of Valor Awards
Did you see who will be speaking at Senator Maria Cantwell’s Women of Valor event? Elizabeth Warren! Join Senators Cantwell and Warren in honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of women from across Washington State, and help send both Senators back to D.C. to fight for our values. You can check out the details and RVSP at www.Cantwell.com/WOV.
Happy Birthday Tina!
Finally, please join us in wishing Washington State Democratic Party Chair Tina Podlodowski a very happy birthday!
Tina’s leadership and vision have helped ensure that there is a Democrat running in every race, in every place in the 2017 special election. Her drive is contagious, and she has been an inspiration to all of us here at the Washington Democrats.
So Happy Birthday, Tina! Thank you for all that you do!
