Nancy Churchill offers an analysis of Republican candidates in the August primary election
Nancy Churchill
Dangerous Rhetoric
Now that Washington primary ballots are being delivered, I’ve been fielding calls about candidates. I know many of the Republican candidates personally from events I’ve attended around the state. When it’s a tough choice between two great candidates, I look at fundraising and endorsements, because both tell me how good the candidates are at connecting with everyday people just like you and me.
Republicans have been losing in Washington since the jungle primary was implemented. Since only the top two vote getters advance to the general election, my top strategy is to support good Republican candidates who are “electable”. That means they must have good name recognition, strong fundraising, AND can also appeal to independent and moderate voters.
The most electable candidate may not be the most conservative candidate, but we’ve got to start somewhere and prove to the general public that it’s time for a change in Washington politics. This year, we have a great opportunity to win some races if we can remember to choose candidates who have a broad appeal! With that in mind, here’s my top choices for each race on my ballot.
U.S. Senator: Dr. Raul Garcia
I’ve met Dr. Garcia and his lovely wife Jessica at many events over the past two years. He’s extremely passionate about solving the fentanyl crisis and improving public safety. He’d be a great Senator! (garciaforwa.com)
US Representative CD #5: Jacquelin Maycumber
We have other great candidates in this race, but I’ve had the opportunity to develop a great working relationship with Rep. Maycumber. She once called me from the floor and asked me why I was opposing a bill that she was about to vote for. She wanted to hear directly from one of her constituents before the vote. She’s an extremely hard worker, smart, and has a deep understanding about the process of lawmaking. I think she’d be great in Congress. (votemaycumber.com)
Governor: Dave Reichert
Dave Reichert is well known in the Puget Sound from his time as King County Sheriff and his service in Congress. He’s also a genuinely nice man, who knows how to build relationships with everyone and get things done. He’s the change we need in the governor’s mansion. (reichertforgovernor.com)
Lt. Governor: Bob Hagglund
I have worked with Bob Hagglund on the WSRP State Committee, as he’s been very active in the Snohomish County Republican Party. I like his “Olympia is Broken” message, and he’d be a great asset in this position. (bobhagglund.com)
Secretary of State: Dale Whitaker
Dale is one of the few candidates I haven’t met in person, but my friend Bill Bruch in Skagit County has endorsed him. Dale is focused on Election Integrity and Election Transparency. He’s the change we need to restore trust in our elections. (whitakerforwa.com)
State Treasurer: Sharon Hanek
I’ve also worked with Sharon on the State Committee. She is a highly trusted campaign treasurer who knows state law and the PDC inside and out. She’s worked as treasurer on countless campaigns over the time that I’ve known her, and her work is stellar. (sharonhanek.com)
State Auditor: Matt Hawkins
I know Matt well. He is the Spokane County state committeeman, and is a dedicated and hardworking conservative who wants to improve accountability and transparency in state finance and audits. (tinyurl.com/mrrkpw2t)
Attorney General: Pete Serrano
Pete is the mayor of Pasco, and is a constitutionally conservative attorney. He’s part of the Silent Majority Foundation, an organization fighting for 2A rights. He’d be amazing as Attorney General. (serranoforag.com)
Commissioner of Public Lands: Jaime Herrera Beutler
This is one candidate I’ve never gotten to meet, but she falls into the category of “most electable,” due to her name recognition, fundraising, and endorsements. The former U.S. Representative knows how to work with people to find solutions, and is a true advocate for better management of Washington’s Public Lands. (jaimeforlands.com)
Superintendent of Public Instruction: David Olson
David understands that parents are the primary stakeholders in their children’s education, and his top priority is improving student learning. I think he could turn around our state’s failing education results if elected. (electdavidolson.com)
Insurance Commissioner: Phil Fortunato
Fortunato is a former Republican State Senator. He’s running to stop the regressive policies being imposed on insurance markets in Washington State. A vote for Fortunato is a vote for affordable insurance! (votefortunato.org)
State Representative Pos. 1, 7th Leg District: Andrew Engell
Andrew is highly qualified, having served in Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ field office in Colville for the last seven years. I’ve often encountered him attending all kinds of meetings all over the region, listening intently and asking good questions. He knows our problems inside and out, and knows how to find solutions. His integrity is unquestioned, and he’s just one of the nicest and most honest people I’ve met in politics. Andrew deserves your vote. (electandrew.com)
State Representative Pos. 2, 7th Leg. District: Hunter Abell
I know Hunter well, and can highly recommend him! He is a conservative and has been active in the Ferry County Republican Party. He is a veteran and an attorney, and he brings deep experience in defending our freedoms under the U.S. and Washington Constitutions, something that is sorely needed in Olympia. He’s another great person who would serve us well in Olympia. (voteabell.com)
Ferry County Commissioner #1 (North District): Lorna Johnson
Lorna is the chair of the Ferry County Republicans and I’ve worked side-by-side with her for several years now to organize and host our events. We also sit on the planning commission together, and while we don’t always see eye to eye, she’s deeply knowledgeable about the Growth Management Act and is a fierce advocate for protecting property rights. Her deep knowledge of the county from her years of volunteer work is superior to any of the other candidates in this race. Because of her knowledge of the county, experience with many county committees, and willingness to work hard, Lorna is a great candidate who deserves your vote.
Ferry County Commissioner #3 (South District): Zack Trudell
I just can’t say enough good things about Commissioner Trudell, who was appointed earlier this year. He’s a native of Inchelium, he’s got a military background and came home to raise his kids in Ferry County. Very smart, a quick study, a very hard worker, and willing to travel the distance to understand the issues that will impact Ferry County. I ran into him last week at an EPA meeting in Northport where we were learning about the proposed Upper Columbia River superfund. Zack and his wife are also volunteers supporting the Sugar Bowl Rodeo in Inchelium. Vote for Zack!
State Supreme Court Justice Position 02: Dave Larson
I’ve met Judge Larson, and he’d be an awesome addition to Washington’s Supreme Court. “Judge Larson respects and follows our state constitution, and unwaveringly believes in upholding the rights of the people.” You may not realize how rare it is to have the opportunity to elect a State Supreme Court justice—they’re usually appointed by the governor, which is why our court leans so far to the left. Vote for Dave Larson for a justice who will bring some balance to our highest court. (larsonforwa.org)
As I said, these are my top choices, but I’m not bashing any of the other great Republican candidates in these races. If my favorites don’t make it through to the general election, I’ll support the Republican who does. Remember to VOTE VOTE VOTE! and FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! Vote and return your ballot as soon as possible!Nancy Churchill is a writer and educator in rural eastern Washington State, and the state committeewoman for the Ferry County Republican Party. She may be reached at DangerousRhetoric@pm.me. The opinions expressed in Dangerous Rhetoric are her own. Dangerous Rhetoric is available on thinkspot, Rumble and Substack.
