Possible Changes In South East King

Washington's 8th Congressional District, currently one of  two Districts in the state to be represented by only one party in it's history and the only state district to not never elect a Democrat may change both soon.  Although it's too close to call, Democrat Kim Schrier has a sizable lead over former state senator Dino Rossi.  
Rossi, who almost was elected governor in 2004, started out the campaign painting himself as the guy who achieved the American Dream.  He talked about working his way to get to college.  He wound up the campaign with scare tactics accusing Schrier of supporting taxes that would be issued on the state level., which don't involve US House.
Schrier, referred to Rossi as a "career politician" ,  she emphasized  her career as a pediatrician, outraged by Congress's attempts to overturn the Affordable Care Act.  She also questioned Rossi's business dealings and refused a chance to repudiate those claims during their debate.
In what may have been the bluest election in Maple Valley history,  Democrat Bill Ramos hold a lead over former house member Republican  Chad Magendanz for position 1 of the 5th District House of Representatives, while Democrat Lisa Callen has the lead over freshman incumbent  Republican Paul Graves for position 2.  No Democrat has previously represented the 5th in Washington's House.  The 5th LD, includes Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Issaquah, and North Bend.

The 5th Brings Back The Mullet

Issaquah businessman Mark Mullet will continue to represent Washington's 5th Legislative district in the state senate.  Sources report that opponent Chad Magendanz has conceded in one of the closest races in the state.  Mullet becomes the first Democrat to be reelected in the relatively recently formed 5th.  In the 1990s, Kathleen Drew was elected to the senate but was defeated in her bid for a second term by Dino Rossi.
Magendanz, tried to portray Mullet as too liberal for the 5th, which by tradition has voted Republican.  Mullet emphasized his ability to compromise and to reach across the aisle.  Democrats has good showings in the two house of representative races, showing the 5th may be getting closer to being a swing district. 

5th Legislative Candidates Meet In Maple Valley

As you would expect, transportation took center stage as candidates for state legislature of both parties met at Rock Creek Elementary School in Maple Valley, one of Seattle's most remote suburbs.  Candidates attending were Senator Mark Mullet (above left), house member and challenger Chad Magendanz (above right), Representative Jay Rodne (bottom left) and Challenger Jason Ritchie (above right).  Mullet was the first Democrat in 20 years to be elected from the 5th.   Democrat Ritchie is challenging incumbent Republican Jay Rodne.
Republican Paul Graves, who is running for Chad's open seat in the house, attended the forum, however, Darcy Burner was home with the flue.  Burner had her manager make a statement on her behalf. 
Topics were proposed Sound Transit expansion, education, taxes, and gun regulation.  They also tackled the subject of "predictive scheduling".  Local attorney Grifan Cayce, moderated the debate.  The three Republican candidates are attorneys.  Democrats Mullet, Ritchie, and Burner each own small businesses.  The event was sponsored by the Maple Valley Chamber Of Commerce.

Candidates For Legislature Will Debate Thursday

While the Clinton-Trump debates have been taking up the most attention, Maple Valley will get to see local candidates for 5th District Legislature.  The Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber Of Commerce will hold a candidate forum this Thursday, October 20th at 6:45pm at the Rock Creek Elementary School gym. 
Candidates for senate, Democratic Mark Mullet (top) will face off against Republican Chad Magendanz (bottom) who currently serves in the house.
Also Democrat Jason Ritchie will challenge long time Republican house member Jay Rodne.
Democrat Darcy Burner will face Republican Paul Graves for the house seat that is being vacated by  Magendanz.
This is a chance to support your candidate or for undecided voters to learn about these candidate's who potentially hold the future of our region in their hands.

GOP Resorts To Hit Piece In Attempts To Take Down Mullet

In a desperate attempt to defeat 5th district State Senator Mark Mullet, negative ads are turning up in area mailboxes.  Rather than touting opponent Chad Madendanz's record, area Republicans have found it necessary to send the above hit piece, showing that anyone hoping to get away from politics as usual will be disappointed.