tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127758592024-03-06T23:46:57.869-08:00Right of SeattleDoing the job seattle talk radio and the other
bloggers won'tphil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-79564934837096218382009-10-28T19:02:00.000-07:002009-11-02T17:54:17.969-08:00Bronco Mendenhall and Susan Hutchison and lessons I have learned from themIt was about four years ago when I first got to know Susan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hutchison</span>. It was at that time when I first wrote about my experiences with Susan. I did so based on an analogy comparing her to another amazing person by the name of Bronco <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mendenhall</span>. For those of you who didn't get a chance to read the first story. Bronco is the head football coach at Brigham Young University.<br /><br /><br />Bronco is now in his fifth year as head coach. Since that time he is doing exactly as I knew he would. He has ignited the fan base and the team has enjoyed three straight 10 win seasons and they appear to be on there way to another.<br /><br /><br /><br />But there's more, Bronco is unlike any other college football coach in America today. The man is a spiritual giant. One of the things that Bronco and the team do is the night before every game they hold a special religious service where everyone in the community is invited. Now this is not a pep rally its an uplifting meeting where Bronco and his wife Holly and couple members of the team give motivating talks about life and how they do things at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BYU</span>. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend one of those meetings a year ago the night before they played the Washington Huskies. One of the key things I learned from Bronco are these five priorities he has in place for the team. They are listed here in order of importance.<br /><br /> 1. FAITH<br /> 2. Family<br /> 3.Knowledge<br /> 4.Friends<br /> 5.Football<br /><br /><br />Amazing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">isn't</span> it football is the fifth <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">priority</span>. From the moment I knew who Bronco <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mendenhall</span> was I knew he was a special person. I also knew that we were supposed to meet. Though at the time I didn't know why. I still don't know completely why but I do know more. God is slowly opening the door that has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">separated</span> us. I look forward to the day when that door is finally opened.<br /><br /><br />As to Susan I can never say enough good things about one of my most favorite individuals in the world. To this day it still stuns me that I really know her. After all those years of watching her on the news I never thought, I never dreamed I would actually get to know Susan. This whole thing with Susan caught me by complete surprise. There is no doubt in my mind and heart that it happened through the power of God.<br /><br /><br /><br />The most important thing I have learned from Susan is to never do anything to embarrass yourself,your family,your faith or your team. Once you lose your honor and integrity you have lost everything. To be honest there was time not all that long ago that it almost happened to me.<br />Were not for Susan and my wife Michele,with a little help from Larry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Gelwix</span>, Bronco <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mendenhall</span> and Glenn Beck I would not be the person I am today. Susan's powerful example has changed my life in ways I never thought possible. She has also inspired me to believe in myself and to do things I once thought were impossible.<br /><br /><br />I know your all wondering about Susan's run for King County Executive and what I think about the whole thing so far. Well I would be lying if I said I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">agreed</span> with everything that has gone on.<br />But you know what? none of it matters to me. Because I know the real Susan and that's good enough for me. Whether she wins or not I will always believe in her because I know who she really is and the kind of person she can and will ultimately be.<br /><br /><br />Susan has in almost every way become the big sister I always wished I had. I am very blessed to know her in a way most people don't. I will always be grateful for the gift of a big sister that God gave me and her name is Susan.<br /><br /><br />Thanks for listening<br /><br /><br />Phil Spackmanphil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-11189771979063478782007-03-19T19:24:00.000-07:002007-03-19T19:55:18.735-07:00SUSAN FOR GOVERNOR 2008Well hello again its been a very long time since I have posted.<br />Back in the summer of 2005 the idea of Susan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hutchison</span> running<br />for the United States senate first came together. We all know what<br />happened so there's no point in covering old ground.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />However as we get a little closer to the 2008 elections it occurs to<br />me we have a wonderful opportunity to turn this state around.There<br />are those who think Luke <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Esser</span> could do that. Anyone that opposes<br />property rights will have a hard time attempting to do so. Dino <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rossi</span><br />as much as I like him can't do it anymore. I simply <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">don't</span> believe the base<br />of the party will support him the way they did in 2004. Unfortunately Dino<br />has made some questionable moves that have hurt his chances in 2008.<br /><br /><br /><br />I know I know I didn't paint a very good picture of the future of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">GOP</span> politics<br />in the state Washington. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though. God<br />let me know in a pretty convincing way that this state needs Susan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hutchison</span><br />to be our next Governor.I realize this will make some of the State <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">GOP</span> Leadership<br />and establishment crowd very unhappy.They will probably try to do some of the<br />same things to hurt Susan chances like they did in the previous election cycle.<br />So let them make fools of themselves again. These people have no idea how<br />to win almost anything..Its amazing to me what some people will do to hold on to<br />power in a losing party. Dino <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rossi</span> cant win this race. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Irregardless</span> of what happens<br />in King County Dino cant win. But Susan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hutchison</span> will!! This bares repeating Susan<br />inspires those around her. The majority of the party will rally around her.Just like the<br />head coach of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">BYU</span> football Bronco <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mendenhall</span>. Who in two short years has done<br />what I knew he would do. Bronco has restored pride in the program and made them into<br />winners again.<br /><br /><br /><br />Susan will do that in the state of Washington. This state and this party need Susan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Hutchison</span>.<br />They don't deserve Susan but they really need her. For the record Susan knows nothing about<br />this. I have not even discussed this with her to this point in time. So yeah I don't know what<br />she thinks yet. We can help make this happen. In the next couple weeks there will be a website<br />put up called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Susanhutchison</span>2008.com. There all of you will be able to show your support for<br />Susan and her run for governor. Together we will make this happen. Thank you for reading this.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1160699623660628312006-10-12T16:50:00.000-07:002006-10-12T23:59:37.616-07:00Across The Great State GOP DivideGood Evening, Its been quite sometime since I posted a story last.<br />So here it comes three weeks ago the Washington State Republican<br />party had there most recent quarterly state committee meeting.As part<br />of that meeting they elected a new State vice chairman. The race was<br />between Joe Elenbaas State committeeman from Whatcom county and Rep<br />Cathy McMorris's brother. Sorry despite many attempts I have been <br />unable to get Mr McMorris's first name.Anyway prior to the vote taking<br />place McMorris's people (ie the party leadership and establishment crowd)<br />told the person who was to give the nominating speech for Mr Elenbaas that if he had any <br />aspirations of running for the state legislature that he would not give the nominating speech. If he didn't they would make sure that he would never be<br />able to hold another office. So he didn't give the Speech.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is just unbelievable that anyone in the state GOP would do such<br />a thing. Has this party really sunk that low now?These people have run<br />this Party into the ground and still they think they have a divine right<br />to any political office they want.I guess are illustrious state chairwoman<br />Diane Tebelius thinks that the State legislative isn't winnable.She has<br />moved close to 300.000 thousand dollars to the State Parties federal account.<br />It would appear as though Diane is resting her whole reelection chances<br />on Mike McGavick winning.Giving the State legislative races a grand<br />total of 5,500 thousand dollars.In addition to that the state party has recently<br />sent out a new flier telling us to vote for State GOP because there<br />pro life. Its pretty clear that its an attempt to convince the party base that<br />Mike McGavick is Pro-life. When in reality he isn't.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Its this kind of behavior that has caused a serious divide in the State GOP.<br />There is no way Diane Tebelius or Mr McMorris or Mike McGavick can ever unite it.<br />In fact there are only two individuals that I know can.Mark Hulst and Susan Hutchison. Do I think it will happen? In Susan's Case the state party doesn't<br />deserve her anymore. As for Mark Hulst only time will tell...phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1151567401236595962006-06-28T23:17:00.000-07:002006-06-29T00:57:44.133-07:00Mike McGavick just what are you?Good Evening,<br /><br /><br /> First let me start by saying that I'm not a person<br /> that just votes for someone because they have an R<br /> by there name.The decision to write this was not an easy <br /> one, but it needed to be done. So lets begin.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I have often said Mike McGavick is good at taking non<br /> positions positions on almost every issue.Take for example<br /> taxes now he doesn't say he whether or not he would vote to raise<br /> them. The only thing McGavick says is that taxes should be<br /> low, some of you are going to say well he signed the Americans<br /> for tax reform pledge not to raise taxes.This is true he<br /> most certainly did.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> However its important to know that when Grover Norquist first<br /> ask Mike McGavick to sign the pledge to not raise taxes he refused.<br /> Only when it looked like Susan Hutchison was going run did he <br /> sign it.You see back in July Susan had already signed the pledge.<br /> The only reason Mike McGavick signed the pledge was because<br /> he knew it could be used against him in the primary.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> Some of you are probably saying how do you know this?Because after signing<br /> the pledge in September of 2005 Mike McGavick ask ATR not to send out<br /> a press release and not to add him to the pledge list on there website<br /> but to wait.My question is to wait for how long?It was not until late<br /> December that ATR finally added his name to the list they did so because<br /> they received so much flak from Doug Parris that they relented and posted<br /> McGavick's name. Otherwise I am not convinced you would have ever seen<br /> Mike McGavick's name listed on ATR's website.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> My first question to Mr McGavick would be why would you want to hide<br /> something like this? If it were me I would be proud to acknowledge that<br /> I signed it.To this day you see nothing on his website even mentioning<br /> that fact. McGavick's answers about some other issues boggles the<br /> mind.Take for example his position on the immigration plank of the state<br /> GOP platform. He said I am opposed to the state GOP positions but I<br /> understand why they feel that way. Bill Clinton couldn't have said it any<br /> better than that.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Back on March 21st when Mike McGavick had his fundraiser with John<br /> McCain. He was asked by Stefan Sharkansky what he thought about<br /> the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform law his response was<br /> the only problem I have with it is they need to close the loop <br /> hole on 527's.For those of you who don't believe me the audio of<br /> this statement is still on Soundpolitics.com.Just go to the archive <br /> section and click on March 2006 and about half way down the page<br /> and you will see it.That Mike McGavick would be in favor of restricting<br /> the right to free speech is scary.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> Mike McGavick said not one word about the federal amendment on<br /> marriage that was voted on back in the early part of this month.<br /> So far we have no idea how he would have voted. We do know that he<br /> is pro choice, he very clearly stated that back on march 2nd to<br /> the Seattle pi.The McGavick Campaign I think is of the belief that<br /> the party base will vote for him because he is the lone republican<br /> candidate.So they think that gives them license to say and do <br /> whatever they want.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> First of all Mike McGavick is not the only republican candidate<br /> still in the race.Has anyone ever heard of Brad Klippert?I will<br /> state right now that I support Brad Klippert.The fact of the matter is<br /> I could never support anyone who is trying to win by deceiving<br /> his party base.That my friends is just what Mike McGavick is<br /> attempting to do.So take that Joe Feiten and Human life of Washington<br /> State.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1146871175272553222006-05-05T14:49:00.000-07:002006-05-05T23:22:18.540-07:00The Last StrawGood Afternoon,<br /><br /><br /> It has been a while since I have posted anything.So here it comes.<br /> Its been almost a week since the king county republican convention.<br /> During that time I have watched and waited to see if anyone would<br /> write about it.Since it hasn't happened I will do it myself.<br /> Stefan Sharkansky,Andy McDonald and Matt Rosenberg were all in<br /> attendance and yet not one of them has written a word about it.<br /> I have to conclude that either they were to embarrassed or just didn't<br /> care.Either way it speaks volumes about how aligned they are with<br /> the GOP in king county.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about,<br /> one of the things that happens is that the delegates vote on who<br /> gets to be there representatives on the state committees at the<br /> convention. One of those positions happened to be for the state platform<br /> committee. Doug Parris decided he was going to run against<br /> Lori Sotelo for the position. I think that Michael Young found<br /> out Doug was going to run and decided he wouldn't let it happen.<br /> So Mr Young made a motion from the floor for the delegates to just<br /> vote for those that had ran the committees to be on the state <br /> committees as well.I don't want to bore anyone with all the<br /> details needless to say the motion was passed and over some<br /> objections that's how it ended up.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Mr Parris never got a chance to speak to the delegates or even be <br /> voted on.The reasons for this are 1.the convention chairman Kirby Wilbur<br /> does not know the rules of the convention very well at all. 2. When you<br /> have more than half of the delegates that just accept at face value<br /> whatever the leadership tells them you got an uphill battle anyway.<br /> 3.Michael Young once again tried to silence those that don't agree<br /> with everything he does.For the last three years I have watched all of<br /> the various things that have gone on under the Herbold- Young leadership.<br /> They are systematically destroying what was once a great county party.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> What happened Saturday at the convention was the last straw. I have had<br /> it with Michael Young and his friends. From there involvement in the Dunn<br /> Hammond race. To silencing Phil Fortunato at last years convention. To <br /> threatening to have a 72 year old lady arrested for exercising her right<br /> to free speech at last years county picnic.To there repeated harassment<br /> of Brian Thomas which culminated in there decision not to support him<br /> last year when he ran for county council.I could go on with more but I think<br /> you get the idea. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> I simply am tired watching an out of control county chairman continue<br /> on this power trip.Just so he can feed his insatiable ego.I am sick<br /> of an executive board that does whatever the hell they want irregardless<br /> of what there central committee might think.I am tired of seeing good<br /> people losing races because they don't get the support they need from<br /> the county party.I am not just talking about Brian Thomas.These people<br /> pick and choose who they support based on there political leanings.<br /> In other words its hardly ever a conservative that they will back.<br /><br /><br /> <br /> For over three years I have lived in kent.The fargo precinct<br /> has not had a PCO for at least that long.I volunteered many<br /> times to do it but they turned me down every time. Would you<br /> like to know why? Julie Holbrook who was then the district<br /> chair didn't like the fact I was critical of the king gop<br /> they wanted a robot.It didn't matter that the previous 9<br /> years I spent in Skagit I was a PCO and an area chair.<br /> They question my loyalty when they thwart the will of there<br /> members all the time.<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> They continue to lose races at an alarming rate and they still don't<br /> know why.When you do almost nothing to get out the vote you almost never<br /> win.Trying to appeal to democrats to join your party has never worked and<br /> it won't now.All you end up doing is driving your base away.I submit that is<br /> exactly what has been happening.I am sick of having to do the job of talk<br /> radio and the other bloggers. They would just as soon sweep it under the rug<br /> instead of talking about it all for the sake of party unity.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> I have decided I cannot watch this go on any longer.I have not determined<br /> what I'm going to do just yet. But when I do everyone will know what<br /> it is.Some of you are probably saying couldn't this also describe the<br /> State Republican party.Well in the past I would agree with you.However<br /> the one good thing that happened at the county convention is I actually had<br /> a good talk with our State Chair Diane Tebelius.This was the first time we<br /> had actually met.She seems open to having more discussions with me in<br /> the future. So I will reserve judgment for now.God bless My wife Michele<br /> and my Sister Susan Hutchison for inspiring me to do this.As well as<br /> Mark Hulst and Doug Parris.Thank you Joey Styles for the actual idea of how<br /> to write this.(I do not know Mr Styles.)Just hang on for a little while<br /> I promise something will happen.This isn't just that crazy spackman talking<br /> again. It was the last straw. In case any of you are wondering whatever I<br /> end up doing will be of a legal and non violent nature.So don't worry.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1139457573702460502006-02-08T16:36:00.000-08:002006-02-11T16:51:04.840-08:00The Story of the King County GOP as it implodes over and over againGood Evening,<br /><br /><br /> Well it has been a while since I have posted.<br /> This one won't be easy to do.Many of you know<br /> I have been pretty critical of the King GOP leadership<br /> in the past and for good reason.They continue to<br /> lose elections at an alarming rate.<br /><br /><br /><br /> What I observed at State GOP meetings a couple<br /> weeks ago was pathetic.The leadership sucking<br /> up to Susan Hutchison left a lot to be desired.<br /> My only question is what are they up to?<br /><br /><br /> <br /> I guess Michael Young must have realized he <br /> screwed up big time with his behavior in the<br /> district five county council race.Recently<br /> Michael attended a district 31 meeting where<br /> he praised Steve Hammond for his efforts.<br /> To my way of thinking it was to little to late.<br /> It will take considerably more than that<br /> to win the district 5 supporters of Steve<br /> Hammond back.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Let me step back for a moment here. I have lived<br /> in King county for over four years now.I live in<br /> district 47 in what is called the Fargo precinct.<br /> In the entire time I have been here my precinct<br /> has never had a Pco.I have volunteered to do it<br /> more times than I care to mention.Because I am<br /> an outspoken conservative they refuse to allow<br /> me to do it.<br /><br /><br /><br /> The district 47 chairs and there have been two <br /> since I have lived here.Are a couple of hypocrites.<br /> Both Julie Holbrook and Wendy Johnson were outspoken<br /> supporters of Reagan Dunn prior to the primary election.<br /> That is inappropriate behavior for a district chair<br /> to engage in before an election. Yet they both have <br /> the gall to shut me out because I don't agree with<br /> them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> Now with there Lincoln day event coming up pretty<br /> soon,they have Ken Mehlman's assistant begging people<br /> to come to the meeting. It amazes me to this day that<br /> they can't figure out why these kind of things keep<br /> happening to them.The ideas they come up with are<br /> just plain bizarre.some of you may remember the ill fated<br /> idea to motivate republicans to vote because they<br /> have given up trying anymore.I guess it shouldn't surprise<br /> me that they would blame the voters for there problems.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> Least you think that I was complaining with no solutions<br /> in mind think again.First of all you don't blame your<br /> constituents for your problems.Also it is of critical <br /> importance to listen to your voters instead of shoving<br /> candidates down there throats.More often than not you<br /> will find they know better than the leadership does.<br /> Usually it will be a conservative that they want.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> In this county in particular they don't seem to understand<br /> this.Instead they are of the belief that conservatives can't<br /> win. In reality its just the exact opposite.If they get the<br /> support they need they win almost everytime.When you don't <br /> have a party leader that understands this it makes it very<br /> difficult to succeed.So yes I am advocating a new chairperson.<br /> For my money Joshua Freed is the only person who can turn<br /> things around here.I met Joshua for the first time at the state<br /> GOP meetings a couple weeks ago.Having heard a great deal <br /> about him I was eager to meet him.I can see now what others<br /> were talking about.He would be a great leader<br /> for king county Joshua will probably become the next state<br /> vice chair.They just may have missed there chance here.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> My only question is will they ever wake up here?<br /> One final thought I'm sure many of you are wondering<br /> about What Susan Hutchison is going to do now?<br /> Honestly I don't know.I do know Susan is headed for<br /> even greater things.I know a number of you have <br /> also wondered whether I will support Mike McGavick?<br /> The answer is no.Unless he publicly admits to trying<br /> to damage susan's reputation and tells the truth<br /> about the situation with the Americans for tax reform.<br /> Believe me he will never agree to this.Then there is<br /> no way I will ever support him.<br /><br /><br /><br /> Coming next week:Dino Rossi what could he possibly be thinking.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1135994422726926232005-12-30T16:49:00.000-08:002006-01-07T00:54:36.596-08:00Its been an incredible five months and I am more convinced now that I have ever beenGood Evening,<br /><br /><br /> Tonight I am in Clearfield,Utah as I write this.<br /> Pretty soon we will all know if Mike McGavick is<br /> the only republican candidate for US Senate.It will<br /> be unfortunate if he is because I know we can do<br /> better.The State Gop continues to unravel day after<br /> day.Sadly even Dino Rossi appears to be part of<br /> this mess.Lets face it they are in big trouble and the<br /> excitement for Mike McGavick just isn't there.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> I know it may sound hopeless but its not.There is<br /> a light at the end of the tunnel.In fact its a very<br /> bright one.Susan Hutchison has been shining that light<br /> for quite sometime now.In the almost twelve years I<br /> have been involved in Washington State politics never<br /> before have I seen anything like this happen. The state<br /> party establishment is scared to death of her and a whole<br /> lot of party members are so excited over Susan possibly<br /> running for this office.Even more so than Dino Rossi.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> Even before I met Susan a little over five months ago I knew<br /> she was the right person for this office.The fact<br /> is I didn't think I could be anymore convinced.Well I was<br /> wrong,As I have gotten to know Susan more its become very<br /> clear to me what an amazing and special person she is.<br /> Back at the end of November She was speaking to a republican<br /> organization that is known for being probably the toughest<br /> group to win over.What I observed that night really had<br /> me in awe.Going in I knew Susan would do just fine.<br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> What I didn't realize is how good she really is.Susan was<br /> sensational.Never in a million years did I think anyone could win<br /> that organization over the way she did.They have all strongly<br /> committed to supporting her.I now know that given the opportunity<br /> she can convince anyone to support her.Why? because Susan is real<br /> what she says come from inside her.She really connects with people.<br /> The republicans in this state need Susan Hutchison.When any of you<br /> get the chance to hear her speak don't pass it up.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Well its been an amazing five months for me.The fact is its been<br /> life changing.I am so honored to be able to know Susan and call<br /> her a friend.This bares repeating, some of you have discarded me<br /> and the blog since this all began.It doesn't matter because in my<br /> heart I know Susan Hutchison is the right choice to be our next<br /> senator.Susan I hope you run.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1134181970801073222005-12-09T17:12:00.000-08:002005-12-10T20:41:31.770-08:00The Self Destruction of the Washington State Republican partyGood Evening,<br /><br /><br /> It has been a couple weeks since are last update<br /> So here we go. I have been involved in Washington <br /> state politics for a while now twelve years<br /> of political activism I have never seen anything<br /> like this.The all out assault on Susan Hutchison<br /> and her character is appalling.<br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> Chris Vance and his establishment friends are so deep<br /> in the tank for Mike McGavick that they are willing to<br /> do anything to keep Susan Hutchison from running.<br /> What is happening right before my eyes is the self<br /> destruction of the Washington state republican<br /> party.The message they are sending is if you want<br /> to run for public office and we don't want you to<br /> we will destroy you.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> From the sneak attack back at the end of July on 570 kvi<br /> to the attempts at intimidation By Chris Vance and his<br /> cronies.They also have tried bribery and now they have<br /> resorted to character assassination.Freddie Simpson's cheap<br /> attempts to circumvent the process on behalf of the state<br /> party is reprehensible.It seems Freddie has been quite <br /> busy as of late. She has been traveling around the state<br /> Visiting county party meetings and strongly encouraging<br /> state committee members to support Mike McGavick and<br /> in some cases saying untrue disparaging things about<br /> Susan Hutchison.It is inapropriate for the State Vice<br /> Chairwoman to be asking state committee members to<br /> Support any candidate before a primary takes place.<br /><br /><br /><br /> To set the stage for what I am about tell all of<br /> you.I have to go back to wednesday of this week.<br /> That evening I was posting on Sound politics.<br /> It was a column about Cantwell and McGavick.<br /> I had posted a comment about McGavick and his<br /> lack of candor on the issues.When know sooner<br /> had I posted.That a person who indentified himself<br /> as a member of the kitsap county GOP executive board<br /> went after Susan.<br /><br /><br /><br /> The person then challenged me about Susan purposely<br /> missing speaking engagements.My first response was<br /> what are you talking about? Susan has done a number of<br /> speeches over the past few months.I ended it by saying<br /> Susan's job takes her out of the state every so often<br /> so she cant be everywhere.<br /><br /><br /><br /> A short time later the person commented again saying<br /> here are three key meetings Susan no showed.First it<br /> was the fall State GOP meetings in yakima.Then she <br /> confirmed speaking at the Washingon federation of<br /> republican women's meeting last month in longview<br /> and then didn't show up and the women at the meeting<br /> felt slighted. The kitsap county chairman<br /> was being pressured by the former chairperson of<br /> kitsap county to back McGavick and wanted to here <br /> from Susan before he did.I should like to point<br /> out that the former chairperson of the kitsap GOP is now<br /> McGavick's chairperson in kitsap county.Susan sent her<br /> bio to the kitsap county chairman.Somehow or another<br /> they missed connections but in know way did she snub<br /> him or the county party.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Let Me first address the fall state GOP meetings in<br /> Yakima.Susan was at the time returning from Washington<br /> D.C.She told Chris Vance she would be unable to be there.<br /> Vance of course has been shoveling this story about<br /> asking Susan to speak at the fall meetings and she <br /> just didnt show up.None of this is true,Vance invited<br /> Susan to come and watch the proceedings.That was all<br /> there was to it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Now then as to the WFRW meeting of a few weeks ago.<br /> Susan was invited to come speak but do to a previous<br /> committment was not able to attend.This story that is<br /> floating around out there that Susan confirmed that<br /> she would be there and then no showed is a total fabrication<br /> of what happened.This I believe was put out by the state<br /> Gop as an attempt to sway the women vote in favor of McGavick.<br /><br /><br /><br /> The only person that has been straight with me about this<br /> is the president of WFRW Jennifer Holder.She told me that<br /> twice during the board meetings she told the crowd Susan<br /> would not be able to attend.I want to thank Jennifer for her<br /> candor in this matter<br /><br /><br /><br /> Well my friends this whole thing has been very eye opening<br /> to me.To think that the state gop would do this to one of<br /> there own is sad.Vance and the establishment have ran this<br /> once great state party into the ground.I just have to wonder<br /> what's next.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1132685415667585942005-11-22T10:10:00.000-08:002005-11-22T13:53:21.416-08:00A time for ThanksgivingGood Morning<br /><br /><br /> This week I thought I would go a different direction<br /> instead of a political story I was about 13-14<br /> years old we were at my grandmother's house in Sunnyvale<br /> california.Everyone was sitting around the table she<br /> had placed a couple peas on each plate. My grandmother<br /> then asked everyone as she went around the table<br /> what two things they were thankful for.This made a<br /> profound impact on me. I don't remember what of<br /> anything I said at the time, it has not happened<br /> again.I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience<br /> this each year at thanksgiving.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> It would make a lot of us think more about what we<br /> have and what we can do to make a difference<br /> I know politically things don't look to good right<br /> now in Washington state.They will get better I know it<br /> Just remember there are many things outside of politics<br /> to be thankful for.Don't give up the fun is about to<br /> start.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> I am thankful for Dino Rossi because of him the<br /> economy is doing quite well in the state of Washington.<br /> I am also thankful for conservative republicans like<br /> Mark Hulst,Kirby Wilbur, Doug Parris and many others<br /> who keep fighting to turn around the state party.<br /> Its a big job but someone has to do it.<br /><br /><br /><br /> I am very thankful for God our father and Jesus Christ<br /> who through the lds church have made a lasting impact on <br /> my life I know this is the true church as god has<br /> manifested it unto me.This I will never deny.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Finally I am extremely thankful for my wonderful friend<br /> Susan Hutchison who has turned my life upside down and made<br /> me a better person.There aren't many people like Susan <br /> She has helped more than she realizes.Last but not least<br /> my wife Michele who has stuck with me through some very<br /> difficult times.A lesser person would have been gone by now.<br /> Are daughter andra has given us a lot and then some for a<br /> three year old she has so much energy.Michele has put up<br /> with both of us a great deal and I love her for it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Happy Thanksgiving everyonephil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1131600920649764622005-11-09T20:39:00.000-08:002005-11-09T21:36:33.346-08:00The aftermath of the 2005 elections just what went wrong and what we can do to make this state betterGood Evening,<br /><br /><br /> Well the elections are over and it didn't go that great.<br /> From a statewide standpoint the low turnout really hurt<br /> the initiatives a lot.What hurt I-330 the most was a<br /> letter that the AARP sent out about a week ago to <br /> over 325,000 senior citizens that just really ripped<br /> into 330.I don't really think those that voted against<br /> the initiative know what they have done.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> I-912 this particular initiative could still win with<br /> so many absentee ballots yet to counted.What hurt 912<br /> the most is the rockslide that caused the closing of<br /> interstate 90.Plus the opposition TV ads were very effective<br /> They just didn't have the money to compete.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> David Irons: this one isn't easy to talk about.Oh what<br /> could have been.On more than one occasion I told the <br /> David Irons campaign they needed to go out to the south<br /> side of king county.(the 9th district part of it)A majority<br /> of the people out there think they were screwed in the<br /> primary by Reagan Dunn's cheating and the King County Gop's<br /> leadership idea of party unity.<br /><br /><br /> <br /> So David needed to get out there at make peace with these<br /> people.If he didn't do it there was in my opinion a good<br /> chance they would sit out the election.Well based on the<br /> numbers I have seen so far that just what happened.I also<br /> think if he had the guts to endorse Hammond or Dunn instead<br /> of both these people would have had a lot more respect for<br /> him.They could have gone after Sims a lot harder than they did.<br /> I would really like to know where all the money Irons raised went.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> Even though the elections didn't go very well I am still excited<br /> and optimistic about 2006.There will be a new US Senator in this<br /> state.We will also have a new State GOP chairperson that I believe<br /> will right a ship that has gone terribly wrong.The key however will<br /> be the new the senator just wait and see she will be phenomenal.<br /> She will unite this party unlike ever before yes there's a lot<br /> to be excited about.Don't give up the real fun is just about to<br /> begin!!phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1130997968776096222005-11-02T20:32:00.000-08:002005-11-04T17:30:33.870-08:00J.Vander Stoep and the fight for the next State GOP ChairGood Evening:<br /><br /><br /> For the record I have nothing new to report on the<br /> US Senate race.Tonight is about something else altogether.<br /> Whether I ever talk about the US Senate race in the future<br /> remains to be seen.Anyway as most of you know at the <br /> moment Chris Vance is the Washington state GOP chairman.<br /> However some things are happening behind the scenes<br /> that everyone needs to know about.<br /><br /><br /><br /> The support for Chris Vance is dwindling rapidly. <br /> Its to the point now that even most of his establishment <br /> friends want him out.Aparently the bellevue Mafia think<br /> he has really screwed things up.This will probably be<br /> the only time I agree with this crowd.<br /><br /><br /><br /> My only question is who's fault is this?Unbelievably<br /> this same crowd that pushed Dino Rossi to back Chris<br /> Vance now want him out.So now I'm told J Vander Stoep<br /> thinks he gets to pick the next State Chairperson.<br /> Mr Vander Stoep this isn't a political party of one<br /> It is a party of many members.Therefore you don't have<br /> the right sir to decide anything.<br /><br /><br /><br /> It is this kind of behavior that got us into the mess<br /> we are in now.Ladies and Gentleman this has to change<br /> right here and now.This crowd has run this once great<br /> political party into the ground.We cannot let it happen<br /> any longer.Look what happened yesterday Chris Vance runs<br /> to the microphones as fast as he can to tell the media that<br /> King county elections has 390 missing ballots.Gee that<br /> really surprises all of us.Well what is Vance going to<br /> do about it.Other than pat himself on the back there<br /> isn't anything he can do at this point. He should have<br /> thought of this before hiring his cronies instead<br /> of attorneys that have experience in election law.<br /> Then they may have had a chance of winning in court.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> Some of you that blindly follow Chris Vance are going<br /> have to decide what kind of a republican party you want<br /> one that represents the few or one the stands for all <br /> of us!!phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1129835047107418492005-10-20T11:43:00.000-07:002005-10-20T14:10:07.396-07:00Stories from the US Senate race.Good Afternoon:<br /><br /><br /> I know the primary for the GOP nominee is not for about<br /> 9 months but there are a lot of things already happening.<br /> First of all as many of you probably know Diane Tebelius<br /> dropped out of the race last weekend.It was amazing just<br /> like clockwork all 4 of the local newspapers covered Diane<br /> dropping out.Chris Vance of course was quoted in all the<br /> stories.Most of the stories said that Susan Hutchison was<br /> expected to drop out.<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> Now I knew that wasn't true and at the time Susan was out<br /> of a town.Something needed to be done this simply could not<br /> stand.I was certain Chris Vance had fed this story to the<br /> media to give everyone the impression Mike McGavick was the <br /> lone candidate.So I took some action and sent an email out<br /> to all 117 State committee members letting them know that<br /> Susan had not dropped out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> I also explained how Chris Vance and his emissaries had been<br /> trying to get Susan to drop out.Some of the Committee members<br /> didn't like what I had to say.That's ok it needed to be done<br /> Chris Vance didn't like it either.Some of them were upset because<br /> they thought Susan had hired me to work for her. Let me just state<br /> for the record I am not now nor have I ever been an employee of<br /> Susan's.Yes its true I am doing everything I can to help her<br /> win. Understand she never asked me to do anything. In fact<br /> 3 months ago Susan didn't even know who I was.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> While its a great story I can't tell you how it all happened.<br /> Its deeply personal and it wouldn't be appropriate for me<br /> to talk about.Needless to say Susan will win this race I know<br /> it I have always known it.One final thing about this I <br /> told Susan that if I ever become a detriment to her or<br /> the campaign I would step aside. This is not about me<br /> its about Susan and winning the race, nothing else matters.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Lets get back to the senate race,for a while now Mike McGavick<br /> has been touting the fact that his campaign has raised over<br /> 700,000 dollars.Well have they?According to the Fec website to<br /> date McGavick has raised 5,000 dollars from one contributor<br /> the Hartford insurance group.So where's the rest of it?<br /> Could it have actually been a bluff only time will tell.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> Chris Vance and the establishment really don't like how<br /> the race is shaping up.They believed all along that McGavick<br /> was the one and shouldn't have any competition in the primary.<br /> Well that's all about to change.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1129266124361566862005-10-13T21:17:00.000-07:002005-10-19T21:54:56.006-07:00Chris Vance Arrogance or Ignorance or bothGood Evening<br /><br /><br /> Most of you by now are aware of the repealing of the 11th<br /> commandment.Something I whole heartedly agree with.So with<br /> that in mind why does Chris Vance continue to try and shove<br /> Mike McGavick down everyone's throat?Meanwhile trying to<br /> eliminate his opponents.<br /><br /><br /><br /> Without getting into specifics I know for a fact he has been<br /> trying to intimidate Susan Hutchison into dropping out of the<br /> race.Either directly or indirectly Vance has been trying just<br /> about everything to get Susan out.In my humble opinion this has<br /> gotten out of hand.<br /><br /><br /><br /> Chris Vance listen very carefully what you are trying to do<br /> to Susan will not work.Its because you and a lot of other people<br /> are underestimating her.She is to smart for all of you I can<br /> say that because I know her and know what she is made of.<br /> Mr Vance if you really think Mike McGavick has any chance of<br /> defeating Cantwell your crazy.<br /><br /><br /> <br /> We both know why your trying so hard to get Susan out of the<br /> race.Mike McGavick has no chance against her and you know it.<br /> That said it makes me wonder how you can be so stupid.Well I<br /> know how, you and your crowd just have to have McGavick no<br /> matter what.This insanity has got to stop, Susan has just as much<br /> right to run as McGavick and there is nothing you can say or<br /> do to change that.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> This kind of behavior by a state political party chairman is <br /> iresponsible.I demand you call off your goon squad immediately<br /> let the party members decide who wins not you and your crowd.<br /> Stop dividing this party and lets get on with the race.<br /> (coming tommorow Stories of The US SENATE RACE)phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1128704857639023672005-10-07T09:26:00.000-07:002005-10-07T10:07:37.720-07:00Tales of the McGavick CampaignGood Morning<br /><br /><br />Its good to be back and have something to say.<br />Well the US senate race primary is a little over<br />7 months away and the McGavick campaign is<br />already in full panic mode.Its becoming very<br />apparent they are scared to death of Susan<br />Hutchison.<br /><br /><br /><br />As of right now they are spreading this story around.<br />They are telling people that Susan isn't going to run<br />because of a meeting she had with a business group<br />Supposedly it didn't go very well at all. I am to hear to tell you<br />there is no truth to any of this and McGavick's campaign<br />knows it.<br /><br /><br /><br />Do any of you wonder why Mike McGavick still hasn't<br />formally announced?Its because he is waiting to see what<br />Susan is going to do.If Susan decides to run and it looks more<br />and more likely every day that she will.Then McGavick wont<br />that's because Mike Mcgavick knows he has no chance of<br />beating Susan.<br /><br /><br /><br />Chris Vance early on assured McGavick he would have no<br />opponent in the primary.As usual Vance was wrong if Mike<br />McGavick had known in the very beginning that the possibility<br />of opponents existed he probably would have never considered<br />running.Even more troubling for the McGavick Campaign is<br />this .They recently contacted all 39 county GOP chairpersons<br />trying to get them to commit to Mike McGavick.As of right<br />now none of the 39 are willing to commit.<br /><br /><br /><br />Susan Hutchison is doing just fine right now. She has a lot<br />of momentum on her side.Soon she will decide what she<br />will do. All I can say is look out Mike McGavick the train is<br />about to pass you by.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1127339715161587712005-09-21T14:40:00.000-07:002005-09-23T21:11:42.330-07:00The Bellevue Mafia and How there Screwing up the Washington State GOPGood Afternoon:<br /><br /><br />Some of you may think I should tread lightly with this.<br />that's not my style and its high time someone took this<br />group to task.This is a story about a group of individuals<br />who have for years been systematically running this<br />party into the ground.Your about to find out how.<br /><br /><br /><br />The Bellevue Mafia has its origins with Veda Jellen.<br />For years Veda ran the state GOP from behind the<br />scenes. The idea that her crowd knew better than<br />the rest of us who the candidate should be.The strangest<br />part about that is they didn't care if there was a better<br />candidate out there.It was there candidate and it didn't<br />matter if the person had a chance of winning or not.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now lets take a look of some of the members of this<br />illustrious organization.In no particular order by the way.<br />Veda Jellen has passed away in case you were wondering.<br />Ralph Munro: I remember about 10-12 years ago Gene<br />Goldsmith was running for reelection in Whatcom County<br />for the state legislature.Gene ended up losing under very<br />suspicious circumstances.His campaign was able to find widespread<br />documented vote fraud.Being the secretary of state at the time<br />it was Ralph Munro's job to investigate.Ralph refused to do<br />so.You know why?Because Gene Goldsmith was a conservative.<br /><br /><br /><br />One of things you will find out about this group is there<br />utter disdain for conservatives.Della Newman:I have known<br />Della since my Skagit County days.Unlike most of the executive<br />and central committee members in skagit I challenged Della<br />on some of her unique ideas.She didn't like that of course<br />so we weren't the best of friends.<br /><br /><br />John Carlson: Yes Mr talk radio himself is part of this as<br />well.I remember prior to this years King GOP convention<br />John would have everyone believe he was neutral regarding<br />the 9th district council race between Dunn and Hammond.<br />I just didn't buy that story,so I did a little checking around.<br />As it turns out his wife had made a couple donations to Reagan<br />dunn's campaign and was also on his payroll.Really who was<br />Mr Carlson trying to fool?I wont even go into the Susan Hutchison<br />debacle back at the end of July.<br /><br /><br /><br />Dan Evans , Slade Gorton, Jennifer Dunn These three are legends in there own<br />minds and lets just leave it at that.J Vander Stoep:J had worked his<br />way into Dino Rossi's Campaign staff and would have been Dino's<br />Chief of staff had he taken office.I have to question Mr Vander Stoep's<br />loyalties.He gave money to Norm Dicks last congressional campaign.<br />Not only that It was he along with Evans and Munro who convinced<br />Dino that he needed to back Chris Vance this past January for state<br />chair.They did so because they needed there interests along with there<br />friends protected.You know various people that did business with<br />the state gop.Had Dino asked Chris Vance to drop out of the race<br />like he was going to.All of this would of went away because in all<br />likelihood mark hulst would have cleaned house.This<br />group just couldn't have that happen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That brings us to Chris Vance:Well most of you know what I think about Mr Vance.<br />So I will just add this.The media in this state has completely missed the<br />boat I think regarding Dino Rossi's contesting of the election.The legal team<br />they had in place was not all that experienced in election law.In fact a lot<br />of these people were Vance's cronies. Vance could have had David Adams who<br />was heavily involved in the 2000 election debacle in florida.David called Chris<br />Vance and offered his assistance.Vance never called David back.With the kind<br />of money spent on the legal battle over 2 million dollars to be exact.Chris Vance<br />could have had the best.<br /><br /><br /><br />There are 2 areas that all these individuals have in common currently<br />1. They are all in the tank for Mike McGavick because in there twisted way of<br />thinking it doesn't matter whether he has the best chance of winning.Its who<br />they want and to heck with what everyone else thinks.2.Conservatives are there<br />least favorite people.They don't think conservatives can win in Washington state.<br />When in reality its most of there candidates that cant win.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This Group does not represent all of us,not even most of us.They sure<br />don't know better than you or I who the candidates should be The grassroots<br />of the state republican party have got to start fighting back.It begins with<br />the upcoming US senate race.I am told Chris Vance is going to make a motion<br />at the upcoming state central committee meetings this weekend in Yakima<br />that they endorse Mike McGavick.This should not happen Chris Vance does<br />not speak for all of us.We as members of this party cannot tolerate this any<br />longer.There are other perspective candidates in the race they deserve<br />the same chance as McGavick.Once and for all we need to rise up put an end<br />to the Bellevue Mafia!!phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1126626486026361342005-09-13T07:33:00.000-07:002005-09-18T19:16:41.083-07:00Dunn-Hammond the final bellGood Morning<br /><br /><br /><br />Let me start by saying I do not live in the 9th district.<br />So I don't have a vote in this race.The way that this<br />has all gone down is a contrast in styles.On the one hand<br />you have Steve Hammond who has handled it all with<br />class and dignity. Reagan Dunn on the other hand has<br />acted like a 3rd grader who can't have his way.<br /><br /><br /><br />From the very beginning Reagan believed he had a divine<br />right to this position.The lack of character on his part is<br />appalling to date he has had 5 different reasons for staying<br />in the race.Reagan said he would run a clean campaign that<br />he wouldn't tolerate any mud slinging on the part of his<br />campaign.This is complete and utter nonsense from the<br />personal attacks on Steve Hammond and his supporters<br />To the endless cheap shots Reagan keeps taking at Steve<br />Hammond in the media.<br /><br /><br /><br />Not to mention how in the tank the King GOP leadership with<br />the notable exception of Monica tracey and bob Strauss are<br />for Reagan dunn.What the king GOP leadership doesn't seem to<br />realize is they are causing serious damage to the future of this<br />county party.I believe should Reagan Dunn go on to win in the<br />primary that those on the south side that have supported Steve<br />Hammond will sit out the general election.Not because Reagan Dunn<br />won but because of the way he won.They don't believe they will<br />have a voice anymore.They already believe the king GOP isn't interested<br />in anything they have to say.<br /><br /><br />What this will do is cost David irons the election because he needs<br />the south side voters to put him over the top.Reagan Dunn still hasn't<br />said what it was Steve Hammond said or did to violate the 11th commandment.<br />I don't want to hear from any Dunn supporters about how Steve Hammond<br />pointed out how he is different from Reagan Dunn is being dirty.If the candidates<br />aren't able to point out differences between themselves and there opponents<br />then we are finished as a political party.<br /><br /><br /><br />Cant you Reagan Dunn supporters see how transparent he is being.The timing<br />of the meth watch program and the rolling out of the rural bill of rights are just<br />to calculated.Why wait until now when Reagan could have introduced these ideas<br />months ago.If Reagan really cared about the citizens of district 9 he wouldn't have<br />waited until now to bring them forward.Proving that this whole thing was all about<br />Reagan Dunn.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now I'm sorry for being hard hitting about this as I have but someone has to do it.<br />One more thing don't anyone try and convince me that what happened on<br />on up front with Robert mak was a debate.It was nothing more than 10 minutes<br />of softballs being lobed by mak.Well the final bell in this race is about to go off<br />who knows what will happen.<br /><br />Coming this week (The Bellevue Mafia and how they screwed things up in the Washington Gop)phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1126195846993523862005-09-08T07:35:00.000-07:002005-09-10T09:34:43.660-07:00The US Senate Race Upclose and PersonalGood Morning,<br /><br /><br />Even though the US senate primary is a little more than a year away.<br />I thought it would be a good idea to take a closer look at the race.<br />First lets begin with Mike Mcgavick:The chosen one by Chris Vance and<br />the establishment.Right now it doesn't look to good for Mr Mcgavick Among<br />the dark clouds hanging over his campaign are the investigations of safeco<br />by the state and federal governments. I'm told its serious enough that he<br />is working overtime to try and keep himself out of jail.<br /><br /><br />Now I know his supporters all site that recent poll that showed him only<br />trailing Maria Cantwell by 8 or 9 points.It does sound pretty good but alas<br />it will not get much closer than that.All the democrats have to do is find<br />some individuals that had bad experiences with safeco and its over before<br />its starts.Its my understanding that the democrats are just waiting to nail<br />Mcgavick should he win the primary.What I find most interesting among<br />some of his supporters is they try and make excuses for his stance on some<br />of the issues.Take for example his refusal to sign a pledge not to raise taxes.<br />What do his friends say about that?Well he doesn't want to handcuff himself<br />in case the need to get revenue in a hurry arises.<br /><br /><br /><br />Mr Mcgavick's biggest obstacle is how his candidacy has divided the state GOP.<br />Many party members are tired of having candidates pushed on them<br />because Chris Vance thinks he knows better than you who the candidate<br />should be.I know mcagvick can't unite the party they simply will not rally<br />around him.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lets move on to Diane Tebelius:I know Ms Tebelius just finished up a tour of the state<br />to determine the interest in her running for the senate. Her biggest challange is a lot<br />of those that would back her candidacy are already backing mcgavick.She has also<br />alienated a number of people with her behavior after she lost the 8th district congressional<br />race.She didn't handle losing very well and that surprised a lot of people.A friend of mine told me<br />that what she really should do is take on Sam reed for secretary of state next time around.<br />Ms Tebelius has a little explaining to do anyway.For example what exactly did she do<br />on dino rossi's defense team to be earn 107.000 dollars?At this point know one really<br />knows.She also needs to come clean on the circumstances that lead her to leave the US<br />attorneys office? In addition to that she has been heading up an 11th commandment<br />committee for the state Gop.Most everything is done in secret,Ms Tebelius<br />wont tell almost anyone when the meetings are. She excludes those from attending the meetings that would like to come.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ms Tebelius past history tells me she will not be able to unite the GOP either<br />She simply has burned to many bridges to have the party rally around her.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That brings us to Susan Hutchison:I think its pretty obivious how I feel about<br />Susan.So I wont say whole lot more about her for now.Other than this it disappoints<br />me greatly that many of you who know I'm a conservative won't take my word for it<br />regarding susan.Let me ask all of you this do you really think I would support someone<br />as I am Susan if we didn't share a lot of the same beliefs?All I would ask you to do<br />for now is wait until she is ready to announce before you decide about her.I know<br />you won't be disappointed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So what will happen now? I will stick to my previous prediction If Susan<br />decides to run She is going to win the whole thing.There is know doubt<br />in my mind Susan is just that good.Ok enough already until next time.<br /><br /><br />Next time(A final look at the Dunn-Hammond race)phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1125433893626265732005-08-30T11:08:00.000-07:002005-09-04T20:28:18.366-07:00So when did free speech become illegal in the King County GOP?Many of you know I am not a big fan of the King County GOP.<br />When its needed I have been pretty outspoken about them.<br />Well here comes another one of those times.Let me say that<br />this is not a fun thing for me to talk about.<br /><br /><br />This all began back at the king county GOP convention<br />in June.Phil Fortunato became a surprise late opponent against<br />Pete von reichbauer.One of the things fortunato did was he had a<br />brochure detailing some of the differences between he and von reichbauer.<br />Sounds reasonable doesn't it I mean who wouldn't want to know that?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well not to Michael Young it isnt.Thats right Michael young told fortunato<br />he couldn't distribute the brochure and if he did the delegates would not<br />be allowed to vote for him.Such an American thing do, my first thought<br />was you have got to be kidding me.I wondered what would happen next.<br />Soon enough I would find out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This past weekend at the annual King County GOP picnic it happened again.<br />Edwina Johnston was handing out a flier she had put together detailing<br />what she believed had gone terribly wrong with the redistricting<br />of the king county council.Yes she did mention by name von reichbauer,<br />Reagan Dunn and that democrat Jane Hague who masquerades as a<br />republican on a daily basis.<br /><br /><br /><br />Some of you may not agree with what Edwina said but she had a right to<br />say it. In Michael youngs world she doesn't .He told her she couldn't hand<br />it out and if she did he would have her arrested.So this is what its come to<br />trying to intimidate a 72 year old woman.Thats real class on the part of<br />are illustrious party chairman.Meanwhile Reagan Dunn stands near by thinking<br />how funny it is.Reagan you wouldn't think it was funny if it happened to you.<br />You have also demonstrated that if it was a brochure or one of your supporters<br />attacking Steve Hammond you could care less.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is supposed to be the republican party of king county not<br />an outpost for Michael young to decide whose views he likes best.<br />Oh and before any of you say that what Edwina Johnston or Phil<br />fortunato did is against the county or state bylaws don't.Because its<br />not true.Now I know Michael young says he was doing this for<br />party unity.Sir you cannot have a united party when you try<br />and silence those that don't agree with you.<br /><br /><br /><br />Let me give you an example of how you do it the right way.<br />Prior to moving here I lived in skagit county.It gave me the opportunity<br />to work with one of the best county chairman that I have ever known Mark<br />hulst.When mark took over skagit was much like king is now.<br />They were divided and had not won a whole lot of elections in a long<br />time.<br /><br /><br /><br />In a short period of time mark was able to unite them.He didn't do this<br />by trying to silence anyone.He let them all have there say and while he<br />didn't agree with everything they said.He respected there opinions and because<br />of that they respected him.The party members then worked together and<br />guess what they had a lot of success.<br /><br /><br /><br />Mr young you should be ashamed of yourself and your goons for<br />trying to scare a 72 year old lady.The only thing you accomplished<br />was making yourself look foolish.If you had any honor at all you<br />would do the right thing and resign.At the very least you should<br />apologize to Edwina young for what you did to her.Oh and it doesn't<br />really look to good when you have John Wootress threaten others<br />with physical violence that don't agree with you.Its not very becoming<br />of a leader of political party to do that and certainly not something<br />that George W.Bush or Ronald Reagan would ever do.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you want to turn king county around this kind of<br />behavior must stop at once.<br /><br /><br />Next Week The US Senate race Up close and personal.<br /><br />(For those of you That are Interested My personal profile is<br />finally up.Along with my email address.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1124465069383393252005-08-19T08:23:00.000-07:002005-09-01T23:17:24.026-07:00Susan Hutchison: The more I know The more I really likeGood Evening,<br /><br /><br />This afternoon I had the opportunity to speak with Susan Hutchison.<br />It was the first time I was able to do so.We talked for about 20 minutes<br />on the phone.All I can say is she is an amazing person.I can't remember<br />a time when I had such an enjoyable conversation.<br /><br /><br /><br />After 20 minutes I was even more convinced that she is definitely<br />the right person for senate.Susan still hasn't decided what she's<br />going to do yet.Whatever she decides is ok with me because in my book<br />Susan is already a winner.I remember a good 7 or 8 years ago<br />I was watching kiro 7 news with a friend of mine I said to him<br />if that lady ever decides to run for public office she will win.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now at the time I was still young in the world of politics so<br />I wasn't taken as seriously as I am now.My friend said to<br />me your crazy.How could you possibly know that?I said there's<br />something about her that right now I can't put my finger<br />on but I just know.<br /><br /><br /><br />So when I heard Susan was considering running for the senate<br />I became very excited.Once again I started telling those I knew<br />that out of the three potential candidates Susan was the best<br />one.This time unlike before I knew why.Susan inspires those<br />around her and now more than ever the state GOP needs that.<br />Sometimes I think the state GOP needs Susan more than she needs them.<br /><br /><br />Now you would think that after 11 years those I told about<br />Susan would be more inclined to listen.At first I got some of<br />the same responses.Things like spackman your nuts and some<br />that I wont dignify by saying them here.However unlike 7 years ago<br />once I began to explain my reasoning.A lot of them started to<br />come around to my way of thinking.<br /><br /><br /><br />I will use this analogy, some of you know I am a big BYU football fan.<br />The past three years it has not gone well for byu.So now they have<br />a new head coach he is a man by the name of bronco mendenhall.<br />Its important to note bronco was there third choice.He got the job<br />because byu's administration listened to there supporters.They made<br />enough noise to convince the powers that be that bronco was who<br />they wanted.<br /><br /><br />Now I love bronco,let me tell you what he has done so far.<br />when bronco took over the morale on the team and in the<br />community was way down.In 6 months bronco has united<br />and ignited these people.He gave over 500 speeches to various<br />organizations.Bronco has received standing ovation after<br />ovation every time he speaks.He has literally fired up the<br />town of provo and turned the state of Utah upside down.They<br />love and respect this man.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As for the team well he has got them to work together<br />and has pushed them to do more than they ever believed they<br />could do.I told you this story because there are<br />some interesting parallels between what happened<br />at byu and what is happening with the state GOP.<br /><br /><br />Because of what happened with Dino Rossi and Chris vance's<br />divide and conquer mentality, the republican party in this state<br />are a rather unhappy group of people.The morale is low and<br />they are not of one purpose.Right now the state Gop doesn't have a<br />leader.We need someone who can unite and ignite this party.<br /><br /><br /><br />Neither mike mcgavick or diane tebilus can do that for a<br />number of reasons that I wont go into at this time.I am even more<br />convinced now that Susan Hutchison is that person.<br />I know some of you are saying spackman are you crazy?<br /><br /><br />Look I know it took a while for this blog to be taken<br />seriously.So I will answer it this wayI know this blog<br />and my political life could come to end because of<br />this.But you know what I don't care if I had to<br />do it over again I would do the same thing that I<br />am now. Because in my heart I did the right thing.<br />I know Susan Hutchison is the right person.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1124919279159210112005-08-24T13:36:00.000-07:002005-08-30T06:39:02.273-07:00Wow Wow Wow!!!Good Afternoon,<br /><br /><br /><br />Today I met Susan Hutchison for the first time.Now I went into this<br />meeting with high expectations.All I can say is Wow Wow Wow.<br />I was so blown away by her,Susan is just something special.<br />I sure hope she decides to run we really do need her.<br /><br /><br /><br />Everything I thought about Susan Just exploded before my<br />very eyes.She was so much more than I ever imagined.<br />I hope all of you get to see and here what I just did.<br />People like Susan are rare, lets hope the state GOP realizes<br />that before its to late. I consider myself<br />very lucky to be able to know her.There just aren't many<br />people like her.<br /><br /><br /><br />Let me finish by saying this again There is know better<br />person than Susan Hutchison.I don't think a person can be any<br />more convinced than I am about Susan.Its time we had a Senator<br />we can all be proud of.<br /><br />This week:So when did free speech become illegal in the King county Gopphil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1123868331983672602005-08-12T09:42:00.000-07:002005-08-18T16:06:01.243-07:00Dunn-Hammond revisitedGood Morning,<br /><br /><br /> Lately I have been hearing a lot from Reagan Dunn supporters.<br /> They seem to be in a near panic over this race with Steve<br /> hammond.From the very beginning of this contest most of<br /> these people have never been able to defend Reagan Dunn<br /> with much of any substance.<br /><br /><br /><br /> Generally what happens when the Dunn supporters attempt<br /> to debate me about the race.There is about 30 seconds of<br />actual substance and then they resort to name calling and<br />personal attacks on Steve Hammond and his supporters.<br /><br /><br /><br />Usually it goes something like this :You should vote for<br />Reagan Dunn because he has the money and name recognition<br />to defeat the democrats.Then it starts well Hammond is<br />sleazy. He cheated at the convention to win.His supporters<br />are all far to the right.They back Steve Hammond because<br />of one issue.Steve Hammond is the biggest whiner.<br /><br /><br />It gets even worse I had one of Dunn supporters tell me Hammond<br />is actually a democrat masquerading as a republican.That<br />Hammond played dirty before the convention.He violated<br />the 11th eleventh commandment.Well I could on forever<br />with this.But I think you get the idea.<br /><br /><br /><br />The one thing above anything else that mystifies me about<br />this is that Reagan Dunn hasn't condemned this behavior<br />one bit.It makes you wonder why?Could it be that he actually<br />likes this.Why not let someone else do the dirty work for<br />you.Then when its all said and done your off the hook.<br /><br /><br /><br />What bothers me the most is Reagan Dunn and his supporters<br /> have never been able to say specifically what Steve Hammond<br />said or did.Is it because they really don't know or is it because<br />Reagan Dunn needed a good excuse to stay in the race.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My solution to this is that Reagan Dunn and Steve Hammond<br />need to have a least one debate.Then all of this stuff can be<br />brought out in the open.I hope once and for all this will put<br />an end to this nonsense.<br /><br /><br />Now having said that The chance of a debate ever happening<br />is very slim.I don't believe Reagan Dunn will ever agree to because<br />that would put him in a position that he doesn't want to be in. Reagan would<br />have to answer some pretty tough questions from Hammond<br />backers.Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think Reagan wants to do that.<br />you never know though maybe there will be a debate.Will see.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1123181425039962332005-08-04T11:21:00.000-07:002005-08-18T13:37:00.830-07:00The Republican Establishment Goes After Susan HutchisonGood afternoon,<br /><br />First let me start by saying Susan Hutchison is in east Africa<br />until Aug 15th don't blame Susan for this delay. She left on<br />July 29th this one's all mine.But have no fear the interview<br />will take place soon after she returns.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway back on the 28th of July I believe the republican<br />establishment made there first attempt to derail Susan<br />Hutchison's campaign for US senate.While she hasn't<br />officially announced if she is going to run or not.Chris Vance<br />and company see her as the only viable threat to the anointed one<br />mcgavick.<br /><br /><br /><br />I believe this whole thing that went down thursday was an orchestrated<br />attempt by Vance To knock her out of the race as usual Vance missed<br />by a country mile.Once again Vance underestimated Susan's grass<br />roots support.I guess this bares repeating Susan Hutchison is the only<br />candidate that most of the party will rally around .<br /><br /><br />If Susan decides to run I know she will win it all.Be assured this will<br />not be the last attempt by Vance to take her out of the race.It just<br />shows you how out of touch the republican establishment is with<br />the grassroots.As long as they have the current leadership in place<br />nothing will change.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1122677033918451722005-07-29T14:37:00.000-07:002005-08-03T21:33:12.876-07:00King County GOP will they ever learnGood Afternoon,<br /><br /><br />Its been awhile but I have said a lot about the king county GOP leadership<br />in the past.Guess what? There back!!.Just when I thought they couldn't sink any<br />lower.Well they have.As some of you may know Brian Thomas was nominated<br />at the king county GOP convention for the 2nd district county council position.<br />In typical king county GOP leadership fashion they have chosen to ignore Brian.<br /><br /><br /><br />executive board member terry Thomas told Brian that the party would pay<br />his filing fee.So Brian then spoke with the chairman Michael young about<br />get the fee paid.Now Michael says I never said we would pay your filing fee.<br />Of course terry Thomas denied ever saying they would pay it.Not only would<br />they not pay it if you look at the list of candidates on king county gop's website<br />they have refused to even put brian's name down as someone running for<br />the 2nd district council position. In fact there is nothing at all.<br /><br /><br /><br />These people are really something Michael young talks about having a<br />big tent but in reality its a very small one.they are also giving Steve Hammond<br />the brush off. Now that favorite son Reagan Dunn decided to stay in the<br />race.Steve Hammond is an honorable man he deserves this party leadership respect.<br />but sadly I don't think he will ever get it anymore than Brian Thomas will.<br />Why?Because there both conservatives.With this kind of reckless attitude<br />they will continue to drive people away and lose elections.I wonder will<br />they ever learn.<br /><br /><br />Next week( yes there will a column every week from now on)<br /><br />They story of Susan Hutchison the one candidate who<br />can unite the state gop.The only one who can defeat cantwell.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1122065000742248182005-07-22T12:38:00.000-07:002005-07-23T09:38:23.943-07:00The Chris Vance ChroniclesGood Afternoon<br /><br /><br />After almost a 3 week hiatus I have returned I have a gotten a lot of<br />questions about why I seemed to have it in for Chris Vance. Here's the<br />answer in December of 2004 my wife and I were at a republican women's<br />of Seattle Christmas party at the home of Pedro celis.Dino Rossi happened to<br />come to the party. I had the pleasure of speaking with dino.During the course<br />of the conversation mark hulst's name came up.Dino had a lot of nice things to<br />say about mark.<br /><br /><br /><br />My first thought was lets see if he knows what marks doing right now.<br />So I asked Dino if he heard what mark was doing? He said no I don't.<br />I was surprised, my response oh you don't know.I don't know if I<br />should say, Dino says oh come on you can tell me.I said I don't know.<br />All at once Dino says oh your talking about the state chair race.<br />well mark's not going to run.<br /><br /><br /><br />I was shocked it was a mere 3 days earlier that I had spoken with<br />mark he never said anything about it.So when I got home that<br />night I emailed mark telling him that I was sorry to here that he had<br />decided not to run for state chair.The next day mark<br />returned my email saying whatever gave you the idea that<br />I'm not running?I thought oh boy what's going on here.<br /><br /><br /><br />Mark explained to me that Chris Vance had told the rossi campaign<br />that he wasn't running anymore.It was at that point I decided<br />to go after Vance with everything I had.Because no one makes<br />me look like idiot and gets away with it.What made it even worse<br />is he used Dino Rossi to do it.This and the fact that he was so desperate<br />to keep his power that he told some pretty big whoppers about mark<br />hulst during the state chair race.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I simply don't believe someone this contemptible should be<br />leading a political party.Anyway on to some new stuff last<br />Saturday afternoon the state republican party had there<br />executive board meeting.Vance let everyone know that<br />unless he got a raise he would resign at the end of the year.<br />My response: then go ahead and resign.<br /><br /><br /><br />It takes some nerve to ask for a raise when the organization Vance is leading<br />is in debt to the tune of 1.8 million dollars. There fund raising<br />is in the toilet.More than half of the state central committee no<br />longer support him.He continues to alienate the conservative<br />wing of the party.Between Vance and the king county republican<br />party they have done more to damage this party than I have<br />been accused of doing.<br /><br /><br />Chris Vance is also interested in running for state senate. He wants<br />to replace the retiring senator johnson.In his infinite way he actually<br />thinks he can run for state senate and be state chair at the<br />same time.Now picture this his primary job is to raise money to help<br />candidates. How can Vance possibly do this and raise money for his<br />own campaign.The fact of the matter is he can't.So yes Mr Vance<br />go ahead and quit.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12775859.post-1120104189461035292005-06-29T19:08:00.000-07:002005-07-02T22:49:18.650-07:00The saga of Reagan Dunn and the state GOPGood Evening<br /><br /><br />Over the past few months a lot has been said about Reagan Dunn.<br />A short 3 weeks I told you about how the friends of Jennifer Dunn<br />donated 10,000 dollars to the county GOP. In essence buying rob mckenna's<br />vacant position on the king county council.Not to mention trying<br />to influence the outcome of the Hammond-Dunn race.<br /><br /><br /><br />Well, its about to happen again. I have just learned that Jennifer<br />Dunn has been in discussions with Chris Vance about endorsing<br />Reagan Dunn for state chairman.Jennifer Dunn has 1.3 million<br />dollars left from her last congressional campaign.The state GOP<br />is just over 1 million dollars in debt.1 million of Jennifer dunn's<br />money has been offered to pay off this debt.<br /><br /><br />What they are doing here is once again trying to buy a position<br />and influence.Chris Vance I'm told will run for the state senate<br />seat in his home district.As for Reagan Dunn he lost once to Steve<br />Hammond he will lose again when he runs for state chair.<br /><br /><br />How do I know this?For now you will have to just take my<br />word for it.At the appropriate time everyone will know what<br />I'm talking about.phil spackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347232499429641112noreply@blogger.com1