The primary in Washington state is August 2. Just two days away. We have mail-in ballots in our state, and we also have the top two winners type system.
Joe Pakootas has continued to fight hard to win this seat back for Democrats and for the people of this district who desperately need real representation.
You all know "Cathy". If you don’t you haven’t been paying attention.
McMorris Rodgers is one of the best hard workers for the Republicans that’s come along in years. She is part of the “leadership” in the House — #4 Conference Chair. This year she is running for her 7th (I can’t believe it-it seems like forever) term. As a freshman and a Gingrich protege, she worked closely with Tom Delay. She has the perfect bio- all-American farm girl, married to former Navy Commander, 3 beautiful children...etc, etc. Some exaggerations and stuff left out of the perfect picture but whatever. She has been a disaster for this district and the country. She's right there in the center helping Republican sell their "message" and obstruct in every way she can.
This statement from the Pakootas for Congress Facebook page is concise and spot on.
Based upon the way my opponent votes, she does not actually care about those in the 5th Congressional District. She is happy to make a stop here or there for a quick photo op, but when it comes down to it, she will NOT vote for legislation that we need. That's unacceptable.
I am more qualified, have more experience, and have the compassion that it takes to represent this District. I know the problems that we face and have experience working across the aisle to implement real solutions. If we want our District to see real improvement, and not just more of the same laziness and lack of political courage, I am the only choice to best represent this District in Congress.
The photo op comment is a common joke I’ve heard and said myself for years now. And it is too true.
She was not in attendance at the meeting of the “great mind” in Cleveland because-
My original plan to attend and speak at the Republican National Convention had to be set aside when it became necessary for me to stay home so I can attend memorial services for close friends in Washington State. I look forward to watching a very successful convention in Cleveland. I have worked closely with Mike Pence and think he will bring valuable experience to the ticket as the vice president. This is our chance to show the direction we want to lead, for a stronger, confident America.
However this is some of what she had to say when she endorsed the Despot before the WA primary-
Did I cast my ballot with enthusiasm? Not exactly - I’m still getting to know Mr. Trump like so many others. We had a positive first meeting last week. Since then, I’ve continued the conversation with his team to better understand how he plans to lead moving forward and unite the country around a forward-looking, conservative policy agenda. I’m encouraged so far and look forward to learning more.
Do I have concerns about the comments he made in the past and on the campaign trail this year about women; people with disabilities; and those from different backgrounds? Absolutely - I vehemently disagree with such statements. They are wrong in a Presidential campaign; in our workplaces; in our homes; and anywhere else. I’ve called him out before, and I won’t be shy if he does it again because he owes it to our party and our country to treat everyone respectfully and to build an inclusive coalition.
You see, I’m a Republican because our party dreams big for everyone and turns its back on no one. We believe in a nation that empowers people, not the government. An America where the government trusts people to make their own decisions and doesn't decide for them. We want to help working families thrive, and to enable those in need to rise above the limits of poverty; protect our most vulnerable; and offer the promise of a better future to every American.
Mr. Trump won millions of supporters by speaking his mind honestly; calling out the dysfunction in Washington, DC; and talking outside the politically correct box.
In the months ahead, he will have to earn the Presidency by demonstrating that he has the temperament for the job and plans to empower every American to pursue a future of opportunity and freedom.
So far, as Pakootas points out,
Cathy McMorris Rodgers has said that she would not hesitate to call Trump out on his hateful rhetoric because, "He owes it to our party and our country to treat everyone respectfully and to build an inclusive coalition." Her silence on his continued hateful statements speaks volumes. She has attached herself to a hateful person with no regard for anyone else, not even the Gold Star family of a decorated war veteran. It's completely obvious that she is beholden to her party. Where is the rebuke, Cathy?
I have searched and found nothing from her.
She did have this to say about Hillary in her statement endorsing Trump
If Barack Obama’s one-size-fits-all approach made your life more difficult and heightened your anxiety about the future, could you imagine what Hillary Clinton will bring to the White House? She would only be another term of the status quo - shrinking our freedom and limiting our opportunity. She lacks the integrity to be President, and she could never earn my support.
I expect a lot of folks who have some awareness of this district will wave aside the likelihood of a possible defeat of McMorris Rodgers. I understand the skepticism. I would point out, first of all, the unpredictability of this campaign season. All of you who have nailed it so far- congratulations! There is an Independent who is running again this year- who apparently single-handedly can end gridlock in DC- who may play a role in the outcome of this primary. So I want to point to this portion of a response from Joe regarding the vote percentages in the 2014 race.
In 2014, Dave Wilson, according to the Washington State Secretary of State Website received 11.3% of the vote during the primary. He did not advance to the general election.
In an August 6, 2014 story, the Inlander noted the significance of the 2014 election, reporting incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers suffered her “weakest showing since her very first federal election in 2004.” District wide she received only 52% of the vote and in Spokane County, she only received 42%. Even more telling, throughout many Spokane County precincts, she carried these by less than 75 votes, representing “a 10-point drop in support from her 2004-12 general election average.”
Wilson has taken issue with my public statements about the percentage of votes earned in 2014. According to the Washington State Secretary of State in 2014, I received 29% of the primary vote, and advanced to the general election. In the 2014 general election, I went on to earn 39.3% of the overall 5th Congressional District vote and over 41% of the Spokane County vote. I have consistently contended that I have received the most votes of any Democratic challenger with the least amount of money.
There is another significant factor in this race that bears addressing. In 2010, 21,827 registered voters were removed from the 5th District and reallocated to other Districts. Wilson’s claim that I have not performed as well as previous Democratic challengers neglects to acknowledge this important change to the demographics of the District. If Okanogan County had remained in the 5th District, my statement that I performed better than previous challengers would be undisputed, especially considering my reputation in the Okanagan. As a former Chair of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, representing over 9,500 members, most of which reside in Okanogan County, my support would have easily surpassed previous challengers to McMorris Rodgers
We can only win if we engage in the fight. Joe Pakootas deserves our support. Go to the links to his Facebook page and his campaign to learn more.
If you can I would urge you to please DONATE to his campaign or, if you live in eastern Washington, volunteer. It really is (way past) time for Cathy to go.
(all bolding is mine)
Sunday, Jul 31, 2016 · 9:29:41 PM +00:00
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peagreen
Missed this piece, with my family obligations, “In meeting hosted by Cathy McMorris Rodgers Trump offers assurances to rank-and-file in Congress” from JUly 7th article in the Spokesman Review:
Donald Trump tried to assure skittish GOP lawmakers Thursday that they all share the same Republican Party goals, but his first appearance before the rank-and-file failed to soothe some deep concerns about his undisciplined campaign.
The meeting was hosted by Spokane Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Protesters chanted in sweltering heat outside, while inside a packed room at the Republican National Committee, Trump offered a simple message, according to Rep. Ken Calvert of California: “We all need to stick together. Things will all work out in November.”
...
McMorris Rodgers’ office reported that about 215 members attended the meeting and about 20 of them asked Trump questions.
Trump offered some what they wanted to hear. He talked of repealing President Obama’s health law, reducing regulatory burdens, overhauling tax laws and getting the Supreme Court to “be one that is more reflective of the values of the country,” according to Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga.
Trump delivered a “great unifying speech,” Price said, and his listeners were “very receptive.”
House Speaker Paul Ryan called it a “great meeting” and said, “It’s clear that our party is committed to defeating Hillary Clinton and Democrats this fall.”
(my bolding)
h/t to Dump Cathy McMorris Rodgers