Live from Yakima: Washington State Democrats Unite Behind Maria Cantwell
The gala banquet has just begun...and all the stars are here: the congressional challengers, Senator Maria Cantwell, Governor Christine Gregoire, Representatives Larsen and McDermott, and legislative leaders like House Speaker Frank Chopp and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown.
And now... BREAKING: State Party Chairman Dwight Pelz has just announced the party is now "free of debt" from last year's gubernatorial election challenge, which cost the state party $4.7 million dollars. State Democrats gave him a lengthy standing ovation.
Governor Gregoire followed the State Chairman, delivering a rousing speech about the values of the "Real Washington" - our Washington, the Evergreen State. "You ain't seen nothing yet," Governor Gregoire declared, after reviewing the accomplishments of the last two legislative sessions. "Get us the majorities we need and we will have a great session in 2007."
She introduced Senator Maria Cantwell, who appeared as energized as I've ever seen her. Cantwell gave her familiar stump speech, but with a new, fresh twist, building on Governor Gregoire's "Real Washington" theme, and calling on Democrats to "keep the state blue". She was enthusiastically received by the huge audience.
Speaking of Senator Cantwell, major Democratic leaders gathered with Sen. Maria Cantwell just before the banquet to show their support for her reelection campaign.
"Maria is a progressive hero in the Senate, fighting for Washington families and stanindg up to the Bush administration and big money special interests again and again," said Representative Jim McDermott. "Maria's strong leadership on choice, energy, and the environment are second to none. We are united as Democrats and determined to return Maria to the Senate so she can keep fighting for our Northwest values."
And here they are, standing side by side with her:
From left to right: Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, House Speaker Frank Chopp, Congressman Rick Larsen, Governor Christine Gregoire, Senator Maria Cantwell, Congressman Jim McDermott
Other Democrats Endorsing Senator Cantwell Today (but not pictured): Senator Patty Murray, Congressman Brian Baird, Congressman Norm Dicks, Congressman Jay Inslee, Congressman Adam Smith
Brad Owen is speaking now and is introducing Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown.
UPDATE: The gala banquet has concluded. We heard from Senator Lisa Brown, and then State Representative Bill Grant, then House Speaker Frank Chopp (who delivered a pretty fiery speech, reviewing recent legislative successes) and then finally Chairman Pelz concluded the dinner and bid Democrats a good night.
I'll post again with some more reflections later tonight, when I get to the hotel. Until then, I'll be relaxing and enjoying the company of other Democrats.
And now... BREAKING: State Party Chairman Dwight Pelz has just announced the party is now "free of debt" from last year's gubernatorial election challenge, which cost the state party $4.7 million dollars. State Democrats gave him a lengthy standing ovation.
Governor Gregoire followed the State Chairman, delivering a rousing speech about the values of the "Real Washington" - our Washington, the Evergreen State. "You ain't seen nothing yet," Governor Gregoire declared, after reviewing the accomplishments of the last two legislative sessions. "Get us the majorities we need and we will have a great session in 2007."
She introduced Senator Maria Cantwell, who appeared as energized as I've ever seen her. Cantwell gave her familiar stump speech, but with a new, fresh twist, building on Governor Gregoire's "Real Washington" theme, and calling on Democrats to "keep the state blue". She was enthusiastically received by the huge audience.
Speaking of Senator Cantwell, major Democratic leaders gathered with Sen. Maria Cantwell just before the banquet to show their support for her reelection campaign.
"Maria is a progressive hero in the Senate, fighting for Washington families and stanindg up to the Bush administration and big money special interests again and again," said Representative Jim McDermott. "Maria's strong leadership on choice, energy, and the environment are second to none. We are united as Democrats and determined to return Maria to the Senate so she can keep fighting for our Northwest values."
And here they are, standing side by side with her:
From left to right: Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, House Speaker Frank Chopp, Congressman Rick Larsen, Governor Christine Gregoire, Senator Maria Cantwell, Congressman Jim McDermott
Other Democrats Endorsing Senator Cantwell Today (but not pictured): Senator Patty Murray, Congressman Brian Baird, Congressman Norm Dicks, Congressman Jay Inslee, Congressman Adam Smith
Brad Owen is speaking now and is introducing Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown.
UPDATE: The gala banquet has concluded. We heard from Senator Lisa Brown, and then State Representative Bill Grant, then House Speaker Frank Chopp (who delivered a pretty fiery speech, reviewing recent legislative successes) and then finally Chairman Pelz concluded the dinner and bid Democrats a good night.
I'll post again with some more reflections later tonight, when I get to the hotel. Until then, I'll be relaxing and enjoying the company of other Democrats.
