AKPASpokane.org

Ever consider being a candidate for public office, but don’t understand what you need to do to run an effective campaign?

Ever want to take your activism to the next level, but don’t know where to go?

Then this training is for you.

Join our expert trainers as we explore how to run for legislative, county or local office and discuss the basic fundamentals of being a candidate.

Please join us at this training, where we will discuss:

• Making the decision to run for office
• Fundraising
• Voter Contact
• Message Development
• Grassroots Field Organizing

Participants will receive a complimentary copy of a Candidate Handbook, and lunch and snacks will be provided.

Due to the contributions of our sponsors, the training is FREE.

Sponsored by Progressive Majority Washington, DFALink-Spokane, Agnes Kehoe Progressive Alliance, Toad Hall Democratic Club, Washington State Democratic Party, Spokane County Democratic Central Committee, and the Spokane Regional Labor Council.

Seating is limited, and on a first-come first-served basis. Register online at:

English: http://www.progressivemajority.org/wa/SpokaneTraining-022407/

Spanish: http://www.progressivemajority.org/wa/SpokaneTraining-Spanish-022407/

Know someone who you’d like to run for elected office?

Contact Brian at training@sowinso.com, and we’ll send a personal invitation!

We have our chioces in the Primary - and on Primary night

Bonnie Mager’s election night party:
When: September 19th, 7:15 pm
Where: The Community Building, at 35 W. Main
Bring your party shoes and dance to the tunes ofMark Stanton!

Barb Chamberlain’s election night party:
When: September 19th, 7:00pm
Where: Steam Plant Grill
Downstairs Bar, 159 S. Lincoln, Spokane

Anti-Incumbent Mood May Aid Women in 66 Primaries

In an excellent and thoughtful article titled “Anti-Incumbent Mood May Aid Women in 66 Primaries” posted 08/25/06, Allison Stevens, the Washington Bureau Chief of Women’s E News points out that as we celebrate the 86th anniversary of the 19th amendment, we are on track to break the record for the number of House and Senate women candidates. If something like 40 more candidates survive their primary challenges in the coming month - the number on the ballot in November could well eclipse the previous record of 151 set in 2004.

But more important than just a nose count - this wave of woman candidates speaks the the ability of these candidates to be able to raise enough money to compete, and their ability to articulate serious campaigns that run on compelling issues. This wave of candidates speaks of the general disaffection with the current congressional policies of do nothing stalemate, and it speaks to a disgust with the Republican old boy culture of corrupt crony politics-as-usual.

Read the article and get encouraged.

Caste Cash and Politics

Note from Ian: A copy of this Annonoumous letter arrived in my inbox.

Dear Candidate,
It is with regret that am writing to let you know I will not be attending your next fundraiser - or the one after that. We just plain don’t have the bucks to keep up with the maw that is modern politics. After close to $1000 a year in spending for the party - we are dry.

We realize that this means we won’t see you between now and the election. Despite our progressive Democratic protestations of honesty and ethics in elections - money buys access. As Democrats, we at least have the grace to be uncomfortable about it, and have a few “public” events early in the campaign - but from here on in it’s $250 a pop for lunch at Catarina - or a champaign and chocolate desert at someone’s home for a mere $100. We won’t be there because we have learned that despite our having given hundreds of hours, and hundreds in “in-kind” services, we are not really welcome at these events. Read the rest of this entry »

You are invited to a -Critical Issues- Conversation with Peter Goldmark

Come join a conversation with Peter Goldmark on August 29, 2006 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM at the West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt Street, Spokane, WA

Discussion will range over topics such as: *Healthcare costs, *Energy independence, *Protecting our Seniors,
*Job and economic growth, *Education, *Ethics, *Occupation in Iraq,
*Agricultural revitalization, *Honoring our Veterans, *Safe and affordable housing, *Social Security, *Clean air and water, *Government living within it’s means, and *Discrimination/Racism.

Peter Goldmark believes that a representative should represent the people of the District and not the lobbyists in Washington D.C. He has vowed to accept no gifts, no travel,no meals and nothing of value from lobbyists. He needs to hear your opinions, priorities,issues and solutions.

Please come and share your thoughts. Your voice and experience are important in setting agendas for Congress. Please come and have a conversation with a manwho knows how to listen and wants to hear from you.