Bernie Sanders Drops Out

Senator Bernie Sanders, who in two presidential campaigns, has inspired a huge following and has brought excitement to the political scene, is dropping out of the 2020 presidential campaign.  Sanders, whose Democratic Socialism, as he termed it, inspired many who have been skeptical of politics.  It was, however, a style not embraced by most party leaders, many afraid the label would be associated with Communism. 

In 2016, Sanders, easily identified by his first name, stayed in the race, even when it was clear that Hilary Clinton would be the nominee.  Many Democrats blame Sanders for Clinton's loss to Donald Trump while many others think that the Vermont senator would have done much better in the general election. 

Sanders is the last to drop out of  what was once a huge Democratic field.  This clears the way for former Vice President Joe Biden. 

Hilary Clinches Nomination

Once again, the Democratic Party has made history,  the party that put the first woman on a presidential ticket, first person of Jewish faith on a presidential ticket, had the first Catholic president, the first female speaker of the house, and the first Black president, will nominate the first woman to head a presidential ticket.  Sources report that Hilary Clinton has crossed the delegate threshold needed to assure her nomination.  '
With two major primaries today, Senator Bernie Sanders has not conceded the fight.

Hilary Wins Washington "Beauty Contest"

Officials are declaring Hilary Clinton the winner of yesterday's Washington Primary.   No delegates are at stake in what the media often calls a "beauty contest".  Bernie Sander commands about three quarters of the Washington delegation to the Democratic National Convention.  What this victory does is give some moral wiggle room to so called super delegates.  Sanders supports have been angry that many of these party officials will vote for Clinton in spite of the results of the caucuses.  Many Sanders supporters will now say a meaningful primary would have a different result.
The overwhelming Republican winner, Donald Trump, did gain delegates in yesterday's primary.

Democrats Pack The House At Mount Si High School

It was a beautiful day, but Democratic delegate for Bernie Sanders and Hilary Clinton packed Mt Si High School in Snoqualmie for the 5th Legislative District Caucus.  The LD Caucus is the 2nd tier of the process of picking delegates to the Democratic National Convention in July.  Supporters of both Clinton and Sanders made passionate speeches, while a committee worked behind the scenes to credential the delegates.  The delegates then broke into the three Congressional districts that make up the 5th LD.  From each sub caucus, delegates for each presidential candidate picked delegate for the Congressional caucus and state convention, in proportion to the votes each candidate received in the precinct caucuses last month.  Simple enough?
Top picture is the 2 long lines to get into the caucus.  Middle picture is inside the caucus.  In the bottom picture,Democratic candidate for 5th district State House, Jason Ritchie addresses the delegates.  Ritchie is running against incumbent Jay Rodne.
Also speaking were 5th LD Senator Mark Mullet and 5th LD candidate for State House Darcy Burner.  Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson, who is also running for State House was also present.

2016 5th District Democratic Caucus Locations Announced

Locations for Democratic Precinct caucuses on Saturday March 26th have been announced.  The contest between Secretary Hilary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders is very much still in play. The locations are

Upper            Mt Si High School Freshman Campus
            9200 Railroad Ave
            Snoqualmie, WA  98065-9640

May            Maywood Middle School
            14490 168th Ave SE
            Renton, WA  98059-7951

Maple            Tahoma Jr High School
            25600 SE Summit Landsburg Rd
            Ravensdale, WA  98051-9732

Issaquah        Issaquah Middle School   
            400 1st Ave SE
            Issaquah, WA  98027-4246

Lower            Tolt Middle School
            3740 Tolt Ave
            Carnation, WA  98014-7537

Klahanie        Challenger Elementary School
            25200 SE Klahanie Blvd
            Issaquah WA  98029-5763
For more information click here.  Caucuses will begin at 10:00 am.