Democratic politics are a bit convoluted in the 30th Legislative District of Washington State, like always.
May 21, I attended the campaign kickoff of Roger Freeman, incumbent Democratic Rep for the 30th, in the hopes of running into Shari Song, Democratic candidate for state senate, that district. Song was there and I had a very nice interview with her, but she was obliged to be low key at the event. Roger Freeman, Democrat, is not endorsing Shari Song, Democratic candidate for state senate. During Freeman's speechifying he very clearly indicated his debt to Song's opponent, Mark Miloscia, for his mentoring during Freeman's first term in the Washington State House. Miloscia himself was not there for the event, but his wife was and she was warmly acknowledged by Freeman. No mention was made of Song, no opportunity given her to campaign at Freeman's event.
Washington State House Speaker Frank Chopp made a brief appearance at Freeman's event to warmly endorse Roger Freeman.
Days later I went to the campaign kickoff of Shari Song for State Senate, June 5. Frank Chopp did not appear, but outgoing State Senator Tracey Eide was there to strongly endorse Song, as well as State Rep Cindy Ryu, 32nd LD, Shorline. There were also a couple of high-powered Democratic women state senators there but I failed to retain their names, my very bad.
Locally, the Federal Way Mirror stirred up a good bit of local furor when it ran a full-page ad paid for by Hobby Lobby defending its anti-birth control position and the Supreme Court decision:
I was a bit disturbed to see a full-page ad in the July 4 print edition of the Mirror.
And:
The final straw was the ad from Hobby Lobby. I know it is simply an ad but it bothers me that you are so eager to make money that you cannot fact check what is printed in that ad. If you simply Google the ad, you will see multiple sources that debunk the misquoted statements in the ad. As a new election season approaches, I feel it is absolutely imperative that you do the same with every editorial, or letter to the editor.
A good deal of online discussion ensued, most of it was anti-Hobby Lobby. I am optimistic and think that this will aid Song's campaign inasmuch as Miloscia's past history indicates that he is very much in the Hobby Looby camp:
... vote for Miloscia .... if you want a medievalist for a state senator. Miloscia's values are in the sixteenth century. He has quaint notions about marriage equality and women's health care -- and comprehensive sex education.
This is the 21st century. We need a 21st century state senator, like Shari Song.
From the online commentary following a letter of support for Miloscia.
NOTE: Miloscia switched parties, from Democratic to Republican, after crashing in a primary run for Washington State Auditor, see commentary below.
Shari Song Facebook.
Rousing from my customary lethargy, I dashed off a letter to the FW Mirror supporting Song, Washington State 2014 primary balllot in my hand, belong the fold:
Women! Protect Your Rights! Vote! And Vote for Shari Song!
To the Editor:
In the wake of the Hobby Lobby decision by the five inquisitors on the U.S. Supreme Court, it is very important that the women or America act on a local level to protect their rights to comprehensive health care, accurate and medically correct sex education, as well as defending marriage equality.
In other words, women, vote for the 21st century values that now define your lives, not for the 16th century values that the U.S. Supreme Court wishes to impose upon you.
Women who care about their rights, as I do, can vote for 21st century values by voting for Shari Song for 30th Legislative District senator. Her opponent is a medievalist from the 16th century, steeped in the values of that long ago time in regard to women's sexuality, reproductive health, and the constitutional right to marriage equality.
Vote for yourselves, not for ancient, outdated values.
It remains to be seen if the Mirror will publish it in time to have any effect on the coming primary.