Opinion: ‘Politics makes strange bedfellows’

In this column by Clark County Today editor Ken Vance, he takes a look behind the scenes at the Clark County Republican Party's recent meeting, where Paul Harris was recognized for his state senate run, and the debate over endorsing Dave Reichert for governor continues.

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance takes a peak behind the curtain of Monday’s Clark County Republican Party Central Committee meeting

Ken Vance, editor
Clark County Today

In a news story earlier this week, I shared with you the fact that Rep. Jim Walsh, the chairman of the Washington State Republican Party, praised the Clark County Republican Party (CCRP) for its performance in the August primary election. Walsh did so in the form of a video that was played for party precinct committee officers (PCOs) prior to Monday’s CCRP Central Committee meeting in Brush Prairie.

After the video was played, the CCRP leadership and its PCOs discussed several ways they could translate their success in the primary into success in November’s general election. The meeting was contentious at times, as frustrations with candidates in the past were expressed passionately, and in some cases, angrily. In the end, it appears the CCRP has put its past acrimony aside in the interest of the party moving forward to achieve greater things for Clark County Republicans.

Much of the discussion during Monday’s meeting centered around potential recognition and endorsement of long-time state representative Paul Harris, who is the Republican nominee for state senator in the 17th Legislative District. Harris spoke about the challenges he faces in a tight race with Democrat Marla Keethler due to redistricting and significant financial opposition from Democrats on a key issue, his pro-life stance. Harris emphasized his commitment to his values and sought support from the group.

“In the legislative district races, we can only recognize a candidate, we can’t endorse a candidate,’’ CCRP Chairman Matt Bumala told Clark County Today. “The first step is to get recognition. Paul has agreed and committed to go through our candidate evaluation team and that process entails quite a bit of questions and an interviewing process to seek confirmation on his core beliefs and principles and make sure they align with our party platform. Then, he will be presented to 17th LD caucus for consideration.’’

There was plenty of testimony at Monday’s meeting that in the past, Harris has not acted in a manner that shows that his core beliefs and principles align with the CCRP platform. It was brought up that he rarely attended CCRP meetings, nor did he even reach out or seek support from the party. Frankly, members of the CCRP have expressed the belief in the past that Harris’ actions have aligned with Democrats in the state legislature more so than with Republicans.

“I want to commend Paul for showing up and participating in our CCRC meeting,’’ Bumala said. “He was met with some resistance and some feedback and some frustration. In the end, the entire body, without opposition, voted to recognize him. Overall, I would say it was delightful and encouraging to have him there and to participate.’’

CCRP officials stressed to Clark County Today that the vote to recognize was only the start of the thorough process that Bumala described. Harris has just entered that endorsement portal.

Harris offers endorsements to other CCRP candidates

Harris’ actions Monday show that for the first time in several elections, Harris knows he needs the CCRP election mechanism in order to win his attempt to gain the senate seat. And, the Republicans need that seat to help avoid a supermajority for Democrats in the state senate.

In turn, Harris promised to support other CCRP supported candidates who align with conservative principles including Brad Benton’s candidacy in the state senate race in the 18th Legislative District and the two candidates for the state House of Representatives in the 18th District – Stephanie McClintock (Position 1) and John Ley (Position 2).

“I think this is a golden opportunity for all of us as Republicans to link arms and join the mission together to defeat Democrats throughout the county and in the state,’’ Bumala said.

Harris offered those endorsements when he spoke to the PCOs during Monday’s meeting.

“I believe the greatest vetting process in the world is a primary,’’ Harris explained. “So, any Republican that comes through your primary, I would support. You might disagree with me on that, but this is a fair fight, and I have no problem with this. I am pleased to announce my enthusiastic endorsement of John Ley in the 18th Legislative District.’’

Harris went on to praise Ley’s work raising awareness of the current Interstate 5 Bridge replacement project. Harris currently has a seat on the Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee. He said if Ley is elected in November, he would happily give up his seat on the committee and help Ley take his place.

“John has worked tirelessly throughout Southwest Washington to earn your vote, especially on the I-5 Bridge replacement project,’’ Harris told the CCRP PCOs. “There’s no other individual, probably, who understands it more than John. He understands the transportation challenges we face. I am on the IBR (committee) and I believe John knows more than I do about that. And I sit in those meetings and I follow his information very much.

“John is uniquely qualified to help us to shape the future of the 18th District and Southwest Washington,’’ Harris added. “I look forward to having the opportunity to work with John in Olympia and call upon the House Minority Leader (Drew Stokesbary) and representatives to appoint John to the IBR (committee). To be quite frank, I’m the caucus chair who assigns committees, and I will be leaving the IBR to John.’’

Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert

At Monday’s meeting, there was also a contentious discussion among members of the CCRP Central Committee regarding whether to endorse Dave Reichert in the Washington state governor’s race. The CCRP provided an early endorsement to Semi Bird, who was defeated by Reichert in the August primary.

The debate revolved around whether to offer a full endorsement or just recognition of Reichert’s candidacy. Some members expressed strong opinions on both sides, citing concerns about party unity, the integrity of the vetting process, and the broader strategic implications for the Republican Party in Washington state. The conversation ultimately led to a motion to vote on whether to endorse or simply recognize Reichert’s candidacy.

“Recognition is not a full endorsement,’’ said Bumala, who pointed out that Reichert has never sought out the CCRP’s endorsement.

Some of the CCRP members are troubled by what they believe were malicious attacks by Reichert on Bird during the campaign season as well as other “dirty politics.’’

Bumala said that the CCRP is in the process of communicating with Reichert to see if the candidate would like to seek the party’s endorsement.

“The resounding feedback from PCOs was the fact that Reichert withdrew from the state endorsement process at the state convention and immediately did not speak kindly about the party and that is why the desire of the PCOs is to have him meet us halfway,’’ Bumala told Clark County Today. “We are not going to just give him an endorsement. He needs to come down to us, speak to the body and give that ask.’’