Whatcom County Democrats - Bigger, Better

Rosalinda Guillen tells the Convention about Aguila Del Norte Legal Observer Program. (photo by JPEG)

...DEMOCRATS

Whatcom County Democrats filled Bellingham High School's commons area Saturday, discussing issues such as the war in Iraq, immigration and fair trials.

"This is a great crowd.... We have a lot of positive energy," said Robin Bailey, vice chairwoman for the Whatcom County Democrats. "There was a lot of thoughtful discussion about issues important to us all."

A little more than 200 people attended the all-day event, spending hours electing 38 delegates and 19 alternate delegates from Whatcom County to attend the state convention and speak for all county Democrats.

The party's platform for the next two years, which focuses on many state and national issues, includes supporting the abolishment of the death penalty in Washington, developing a quick and responsible exit strategy from Iraq and making health care accessible to everyone.

Shannon O'Brien, chairwoman of the 42nd Legislative District Democrats, said outside of the platform, the party is focused on "building strong leadership."

"We are building a community of support... a web of support to get people with our democratic values elected and to thank and educate our current elected officials," she said.

Speakers and attendees at Saturday's convention included state Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham, Western Washington University professor Larry Estrada and Jasper MacSlarrow, who is running against state Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale. State Sen. Harriet Spanel, D-Bellingham, was elected the convention chairwoman. ... (Bellingham Herald)

Somehow the reporter forgot to mention Jesse Salomon who is running against State Senator Dale (nearly invisible) Brandland (42nd LD)!

Meanwhile - Whatcom Republicans flogged their usual pro-carpetbagger, xenophobic racist drivel.

...REPUBLICANS
About 80 people met Saturday in Meridian High School's gym, calmly discussing the stances the Whatcom County Republican Party should take on issues, both locally and nationally.

Much of the proposed platform, which focused on several local issues, was accepted without discussion.
"It's not necessarily a new message, but somewhat of a more refined message," said Joe Elenbaas, chairman of the convention.

The platform includes supporting the construction of a larger Whatcom County jail, creating tougher sentencing for sex offenders, supporting the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, ... (Bellingham Herald)