How to help

I've been told by folks who should know that the only way to be a serious contender for this office is to go to the West Side of the state and make lots of fundraising speeches to strangers, because I could never raise the millions it takes here on the East Side. Cynical, but probably true.

The incumbent usually spends about $3 million; the top challenger usually spends about $1 million. And for what? Vapid television ads that most of us tune out after the first showing. Glossy mailers that tell us nothing but the other politicians who endorse them, so we can make a "guilt by association" inference about them. Or red, white and blue posters that pop up everywhere but tell us nothing but a name. I can't imagine where those millions are going, and I promise I'll never waste my money or your time with that.

If you'd like to help, just convince your friends how great you think I am. Washington has a Top Two primary, so the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election. In 2024, they got about 56,000 and 37,000 votes. So all I need you to do is tell a few thousand of your friends, and ask them to tell a dozen or so of their friends. Easy-peasy!

But seriously, think of this as the ultimate grass-roots campaign. If you're like me, you have a few friends you feel comfortable discussing politics with. Start there. Stop there, if you like.

If you like me, the best way to help me is to tell them. If you don't like me, the best way to stop me is to tell them. And if you don't know enough about me for either feeling, send me an email. I'll respond as quickly as I can so you can decide.