Comments on Down-Ballot Update

I attended the 36th caucus as an Obama alternate, and Burbank called me, acknowledging that fact. He even said "you went to your precinct meeting". He was urging me to go to another one, at which the endorsement would be made. I'd rather poke a seam ripper in my eyes than go to a precinct meeting again, so I declined. I admit I was a little surprised that he knew that, but I didn't think it was untoward. I do find his distinction between "lobbyist" and "activist" to be a little specious.

I too have received those emails from John Burbank's cheerleader (even after asking to be removed from their list). Funny too, that the email address is one that I used ONLY at the Dem. caucus meeting earlier this year. Wonder how Burbank's campaign got it?

That Burbank endorsement from the stacked deck 36th Dems meeting a couple of weeks ago, as well as the primary "endorsement" on behalf of the state party from Burbank's pal Dwight Pelz (even though the district opted not to endorse just one Dem candidate in the primary) and other tactics like this that have since swung my vote to Reuven Carlyle.

There isn't really much to question about either Burbank or Carlyle's Democratic credentials. They both have them. The big difference is that Carlyle has more energy, more smarts and a far greater potential to actually go to Olympia and get something done. Burbank's idiotic latte tax proposal was anti-small business and a poison pill for future tax reform efforts.

As Erica notes, I've sent out several emails on the 36th District legislative race. Although Carlyle and his supporters have raised the somewhat weird complaint about which colors I used to highlight information, they haven't disputed the facts in the emails.

By now, the filings with the State Public Disclosure Commission show that over 40% of Carlyle's contributions have come from corporations, business and professional associations, and self-identified business executives. These include several of the largest banks and banking associations, most of the major telecommunications companies, several major pharmaceutical coroporations, most of the trade associations representing real estate and development interests, and the trade associations in the hospitality industry.

If the information had been inaccurate or irrelevant, I doubt that there would have been much complaint. It's worth noting that the endorsement meeting at the 36th District resulted in a 74% vote for Burbank. And Burbank has also been endorsed by the County and State Democratic Party organizations - as well as by the Washington State Labor Council, Martin Luther King Jr. County Labor Council, National Organization of Women and Women's Political Caucus.

The reality is that Carlyle is, as he describes himself, a "pro-business Democrat." His contributions reflect that. Pointing out that his financial base is heavily from business interests is hardly foul play. But just as Carlyle's supporters resent being outvoted by an almost three-to-one majority at the District meeting (and almost two-to-one at an earlier meeting), they resent discussion of where Carlyle's funds come from. I'd hope that they would instead proudly acknowledge Carlyle as the business candidate in the race (no one ever suggested that he's a Republican), and make an effort to organize more support for their candidate within the Democratic Party.

Paul Bigman

JFC I can't even parse all that.

This race is making me want to just write in Mickey Mouse for the 36th.

Mr. Bigman @4:

I too received your spam, which pissed me off as a caucus-goer with no professed affinity toward either candidate. Not only was it an inappropriate use of the list you were provided, there was no mechanism to unsubscribe. Not cool.

And regarding your talking points above, stop knocking Carlyle for being "pro-business". From where do you think most of us Democrats earn our paychecks, Mars?

Yeah Bigman, don't explain why you spammed us with your ridiculous color-coded emails. Just use your comment as another chance to fling more shit.

I am a little disappointed in the 36th Ds giving Burbank a sole endorsement after Carlyle WON the Primary. As with Obama the guy who wins in primary should get the party's support. But I suppose the 36th Ds know better than the voters. I have to wonder about an organization claiming to represent while being so out of touch.

Do not live in the 36th - but - have been to a couple of forums where both candidates spoke at length.

Burbank seem very qualified and grounded. Carlyle sounds like a moon bat who has been part of a new age clan too long.

Sorry, if I were a voter, Burbank would get my vote and a check. He would be a real power in Olympia in shot order.

(by the say, political leadership and running businesses are not the same)

Did anyone notice that in the two comparisons, the attacks on the Burbank campaign come directly from the Carlyle campaign. Whereas, the attacks on the Carlyle campaign are only from Burbank supporters. The is no direct link to the Burbank campaign attacking Carlyle, but there is with the Carlyle campaign. How can this article be so biased as to not point out this contridiction? These are two very different examples! Carlyle is blatantly attacking Burbank, and no one blinks an eye.... its a shame the stranger has come to this...

My household received a 'push poll' phone call (from Colorado) last weekend mentioning both Reuven Carlyle and John Burbank. The call basically implied that Reuven was backed by Wall Street money. Right away I knew it was a Burbank campaign sham. Such tactics will not win.

The Carlyle supporters need to take over the Thundering Cheaters of the 36th.

I worked a bit with both candidates years ago through a non-profit. Reuven was a guy who was always super nice but seeemed hard to pin down and did not follow through. John was a little cantankerous (sp?) but did what he said he would. I live in tne 36th and tho I'm not a party regular, John recruited me to come to the endorsement meeting and I did. It was fascinating to hear Reuven whine about how the rules got changed on him and he won the primary so he should be headed to Olympia. John just out organized him in securing the sole endorsement. Frankly, I don't have a clue what the endorsement is really worth, but the political organizing skills John demonstrated were strong. Reuven's whining at the endorsement meeting was pitiful.

Bitch all you want about the Latte tax, it might have been a stupid idea. But the guy had balls to try it, he took his licks in the press and did not let it get to him. He has a good record as an advocate for the middle class. Reuven made a lot of money in business.

I find people who flash their money all the time a bore - take heed Carlyle

My partner left Microsoft with many many millions.

No one would ever know he is so understated.

Burbank has a list of political credits a mile long by the way.

I used to live in the 36th, and know both of these fine candidates.

It's not the first time a close race has riven the district between two fine Democrats.

And it won't be the last.

Pardon me if I'm a little confused, but if you file with the PDC as a LOBBYIST, doesn't that mean that you're a lobbyist? Or is there a special category for people who are the right kind of lobbyists for the right kind of reasons? Is there an "advocate for the middle class" exemption that silly me doesn't understand?

John Burbank is a lobbyist, according to the PDC. What is he trying to hide, if it's all good stuff?

@11: The contact information for caucus delegates was given to Burbank with instructions not to use it for campaign purposes. Burbank used that info to round up support at the endorsement meeting (see @1) and Paul Bigman used it to attack Carlyle in emails. Do you really think Bigman got the info from somewhere other than Burbank?