With the updated results tonight from the Thurston County Auditor, Republican and Independent candidates have captured the County Commission seats, and as our Representatives to the State Legislature.

Gary Edwards and John Hutchings, both previously elected as Republicans to public offices here, ran as Independents this time and are each the apparent winners to their seats respectively on the on the County Commission. Senator Randi Becker and Rep. J. T. Wilcox were returned to the State Legislature. Additionally, Andrew Barkis was elected to the State House after previously being appointed to fill out this term. A very credentialed Pierce County opponent in Amy Pivetta-Hoffman, lost to Barkis in what was a quite surprising turn of events to me. The following story gives us guidance as to what happened here:


– “The Real Trump Effect: Down-Ballot Disaster for Democrats”
“[Steffie] Woolhandler’s [of Physicians for a National Health Plan (PNHP)]comments about the Democratic Party being out of touch with the public are prescient. As progressives look back at Tuesday’s election, it is hard not to realize how the Democrats lost, in large part, due to their support for things that are largely opposed by the left (and, it is worth noting, by Bernie Sanders): needless wars, unfair trade deals and the party’s closeness to Wall Street and corporate America.

Despite some progress, the results of the 2016 election, up and down the ticket, may provide some crucial lessons for progressives. But clearly, these lessons have come at a steep price,” quoting
Michale Corcoran, Truthout.
Read more


– Now the work truly begins!
Newly elected Commissioners will find that sitting on the Commission and seeing things as they are from that vantage point are quite different than the rhetoric on the campaign trails. As mirrors the Presidential race, the county is divided and the Commissioner-elects’ wins by mere percentage points do not give them a mandate. Let’s hope with their previous leadership experience, they can bring divergent views together for the betterment of all Thurston County. They deserve our congratulations, support, and patience as they get up-to-speed. And to the amazing talent of Democratic candidates, I say a hearty THANK YOU for your commitment to public service. You were sincere, passionate, and heartfelt in your ideas and vision for our area. I do hope the winners call on you for your counsel, wisdom, and inclusion into the future.


– WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The Day of Healing and Reconciliation
Reuniting Our Country After The Election
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Click here for more information.