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TimSheldon.jpg
Sen. Tim Sheldon, center, is one of two Democrats who have said they'll work with the Senate's 23 Republicans to form a new caucus that currently holds a 25-24 vote (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Lawmaker's wife tells top Democrat put on big boy pants

February 11, 2013 @ 5:03 pm (Updated: 5:34 am - 2/12/13 )

Who needs Washington, D.C. for political intrigue? A spicy clash in our Washington involves the chair of the state Democratic Party, two state Senators, and now a Senator's wife.

First, the players in this drama.

State Senator Tim Sheldon has served 22 years in the Washington State Legislature as a Democrat representing the 35th District, which includes all of Mason County and parts of Thurston, Kitsap and Grays Harbor Counties. Sheldon has earned the reputation of being a maverick by consistently bucking his party's agenda and by working across the aisle to get legislation passed.

State Senator Rodney Tom is from Medina. In 2002, Tom was elected to the state House of Representatives as a Republican. He was reelected in 2004. In 2006, Tom switched to the Democratic Party and won the senate seat he still holds. In March of last year, Tom joined with fellow Democratic Sens. Jim Kastama, Tim Sheldon and 22 Senate Republicans to push through a revised budget bill. A few months ago Tom announced he would again caucus with the Republicans.

Enter stage left, Democratic Party Chair Dwight Pelz. The party has censured both Sheldon and Tom for "gross disloyalty" and "perfidious behavior," cutting off their future access to party funds and mailing lists. I wrote about the exchanges between Pelz and the two lawmakers last week for this story: Top Democrat state senators are 'not invited to our party.'

One more player has now stepped into the spotlight. Sheldon's wife. Linda Sheldon is standing by her man in this email she sent to Pelz. She tells him to put on his "big boy panties" and learn to compromise.

Dear Dwight,

Thank you for your kind personal letter trashing my husband. I thought it merited a reply.

First of all, his name is Tim SHELDON, not SHELTON (or was that a Freudian slip?) He has served in the Legislature for 22 years, and you would think by now you would know his name. Maybe that's what he means by the Democrats in Olympia being "Seattle-centric." If you can't remember the rural legislators' names, how could you POSSIBLY remember their constituents' issues?

Apparently you think you and your party (which also happens to be MY party) were betrayed. Well now, let's see - last year the Democrats controlled BOTH chambers, and couldn't squeeze out a budget in 2 special sessions, costing our already financially destitute state a tidy little sum of bucks -- until several Democrats (Tim included) got tired of sitting on their asses doing nothing at the taxpayers' expense, while a handful of party hacks spit at one another behind closed doors and came up empty-handed. So they WENT ROGUE (ie, reached across the aisle to get a compromise). Public sentiment, if you will recall, was behind them, and you guys wearing the big party hats looked pretty damn foolish. And the State got a budget before a third special session had to be called. Now, if that's BETRAYAL of the public (excuse me - I meant PARTY), then I'll wear a TRAITOR t-shirt anytime!

I'm sorry you feel you wasted a big $25,000 on Rodney. And we will really miss your usual donation ($0.00) to Tim's campaigns. But then, I understand that you feel you must take your ball and go home.

If you are so distressed about the legislation coming down the tracks under the Majority Coalition rule, I suggest you put on your big boy panties, admit you were politically bested and learn to WORK with the new coalition to get compromises you can live with. Otherwise, it's completely their game. Fight it, stamp your feet, call names, dig in and you will lose big-time. As a Democrat, that would not make me happy.

I'm not sure exactly how you plan to censure Tim and Rodney - maybe duct tape? And YOU have ABSOLUTELY NO RIGHT to say THEY have no right to call themselves Democrats. My dog could be a Democrat - there is no application, sign-up, litmus test, educational requirement, membership fee, vetting process, inquisition. You either BELIEVE you are, according to your principles, or you don't. Waving your Magic D Wand will not banish them from the club.

When you denigrate Tim and Rodney, you denigrate the beliefs of all those who voted for them, support them and consider themselves Democrats. Do you really want to tell all those D voters they can take a hike? That's going to piss off a lot of people… including ME, a lifelong liberal who just happens to be able to see the BIG PICTURE when you can't.

Where can I get a TRAITOR t-shirt?

Linda Honan Sheldon

I talked with Linda, who describes herself as a liberal Democrat. She's hoping Pelz understands her sense of humor, but also gets her point.

Pelz, chair of the state Democrats, responded to Mrs. Sheldon this way:

Linda, I am sure you are a wonderful person, and I have enjoyed our brief meetings, but you really should not waste your time by writing me long e-mail messages.

I have zero respect for your husband. He will hold no place of importance in the history of our state other than being admired as one of our most successful self-promoters, and double dippers.

His prime value will be as an object lesson for political science professors in our state, who when asked whether party labels mean anything, will be able to answer "No", and point to the obscure State Senator who called himself a Democrat but endorsed George Bush for President, Dino Rossi and Rob McKenna for Governor, and opposed his centrist colleague Derek Kilmer for Congress.

When Tim retires he will be able to gather around himself the people who respect him. That meeting will take place in your kitchen.

Dwight

To that, Mrs. Sheldon says, "Our kitchen table is bigger than he might realize."

I have a feeling this drama is to be continued...

By LINDA THOMAS

More from Linda Thomas

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Comments (55)


  • Add A Comment

  • Moondoggie wrote...
    Linda vs. Dwight
    February 12, 2013 6:48 am
    Linda’s letter discusses the issues at hand while Dwight takes the first paragraph to let Linda know that he thinks she should not have written her letter. Then Dwight take three paragraphs to say in three different ways that he does not like her husband. Those are some great leadership skills you got there Dwight.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Fuego wrote...
    It would be nice..
    February 12, 2013 7:04 am
    if we could abolish political parties and let these people vote for their constituents. I can't help but believe the extreme left and right would be a minority in getting things accomplished.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DJFavorite wrote...
    I agree Fuego
    February 12, 2013 9:27 am
    If they didn't have a party affiliation behind their name, people would actually have to pay attention to the issues to figure out what that candidates stood for. We might actually get a more intelligent voter.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Largent803 wrote...
    Total Agreement
    February 12, 2013 12:14 pm
    I think you are right Fuego. I bet if you take away the parties from the equation you would see: Most Democrats are not far-left. They middle-left. As for Republicans a majority of Republicans are not far-right. I believe that majority of those republicans are middle-right. So if you took those two pieces away from the Democrats and Republicans you should find that around 50% of both parties would go away. Literally if the middle-left and middle-right were to form their own party they would be able to control both houses. The Far-Left would not be able to control the Senate and the Far-Right would not control the House.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • siderod wrote...
    Pelz is a stellar example
    February 12, 2013 7:23 am
    . . . . of partisan politics as usual. As a life-long Democrat who has voted for many Republicans of late, I must say that Mr. Pelz personifies the Gestapo-like loyalty of party partisans (whether D or R). Our political progress will continue to stagnate until political parties (or a new party) can allow conventions and collaboration within their platforms and parties. "Party Faithfuls" are well-compensated prostitutes.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Stevebo wrote...
    I think the irony...
    February 12, 2013 7:28 am
    Is that any politician in Washington State thinks that their name will somehow be immortal to the general populace.

    But then, that speaks to the general arrogance and self-importance that is central to nearly every politician.

    This "dirty laundry" e-mail exchange merely accentuates that.

    I'd venture a guess that a very small portion of the population knows the names of both of these self-important politicians... and they will be little more than a footnote in Washington State history.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • pinbalwyz wrote...
    footnotes
    February 16, 2013 3:15 am
    Tim is an example of an overriding trend. Political parties aren't as important as they once were. Many candidates run and win office as independents. -amicuscuria.com/wordpress-
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • 1reason2live4 wrote...
    Channeling John Lennon
    February 12, 2013 7:56 am
    Imagine there’s no Parties It’s easy if you try No (R)’s or (D)’s behind us Above all the petty lies Imagine all in congress, Keeping debt at bay…… Imagine there’s no Counties It isn’t hard to do Nothing to bill or cry for And no derision too Imagine all the people Living life in peace…… You may say I’m a (D)reamer But I’m not the only One(I) I hope someday you’ll join in And the State will be as one.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • El Duderino wrote...
    Magic D Wand?
    February 12, 2013 8:17 am
    More like magic D-bag wand. These jokers are elected to serve their constituents, not a political party. When you're elected you are not there solely to reward the (usually slim) majority that put you there, you represent and serve 100% of the people in your district. Somewhere along the line this was forgotten.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • dadling wrote...
    Conservatives support Tim Too !!
    February 12, 2013 8:42 am
    I am a proud conservative and usually vote Republican...even for the poor disheveled Republican Party in Washington....I'm from Shelton and have consistently voted for Tim Sheldon (shssshh don't tell anyone!)..because he's one of the few politicians in the State with some common sense and concern for his constituents vs his party affiliation....Bravo Mrs Sheldon !! Peltz..you're a Putz !!!! You look like a fool...not a person we need in office !!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • gh1022 wrote...
    Pelz is a real horse's derriere
    February 12, 2013 9:01 am
    Read Linda Sheldon's witty letter and Pelz's nasty reply and that's all you need to know. Why the Democrats have such a jerk as their leader is beyond me. Tim Sheldon has the support of the people and doesn't need to kiss Pelz's hindquarters to get funds to get reelected. What the Democrat party needs is more Tim Sheldons and fewer Dwight Pelzs. Then maybe the state and the nation wouldn't be in such dire straights.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Clearwater3 wrote...
    Interesting...
    February 12, 2013 10:12 am
    ...that this guy's wife is in effect telling someone else to man up - couldn't he do that himself? I guess we know who wears the culottes in his house. I also find it interesting that on the Facebook page of Ms Sheldon she lists as a "like" the Fox News Opinion page; seems a bit unlikely for someone who claims the mantle of liberal democrat.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Jason wrote...
    So they "like" a page?
    February 12, 2013 10:47 am
    I have "liked" pages on MSNBC, CNN and others, I am a conservative. Just because that is who/what I am doesn't mean I cannot agree with something from the other side. You morons need to stop pigeonholing folks because they"like" something. Doing so is why we're in the trouble we're in.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick W7PSK wrote...
    Clearwater is like Peltz
    February 12, 2013 11:04 am
    if you dont 100% follow CNN MSNBC and the democratic underground then you cannot be a democrat.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • pinbalwyz wrote...
    Bid D
    February 16, 2013 3:26 am
    Labels suck. So does any organization that would accept someone like me as a member. Tim pretty much falls into the same category. I pretty much hold it against any organization that would accept him. As it turns out, so do most voters in my district. They don't, however, hold that against Tim. When will the Democratic leadership figure out this inconvenient truth? -amicuscuria.com/wordpress-
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Clearwater3 wrote...
    Do irony much?
    February 12, 2013 11:09 am
    You morons need to stop pigeonholing folks because they point out what seems to be some inconsistancy.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • pinbalwyz wrote...
    mantles?
    February 16, 2013 3:23 am
    Linda Sheldon claims to be a Democrat. Who can reasonably argue with that? She has gotten on internet blogs in the past to defend her husband's name. IMO, it's ill advised, but this is still America. Linda claims to be an environmentalist. He husband says the same, but with a smirk. He states they both like trees except she likes the vertical while he likes them horizontal. With Tim, it's all about the $...and Tim. With Linda...well, it's about Tim.
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  • Tired of the BS wrote...
    Tim Sheldon
    February 12, 2013 12:27 pm
    If we had a candidate other than Tea Party in opposition to Tim Sheldon I would vote for them. He is a Blue Dog Dem and I do not think he is doing his best for his constituents. He is condescending and it's his way or the highway. So when his wife Linda says it's about compromise I don't buy it because that's not what I see from him.
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