KTTH GOP gubernatorial forum in Tacoma

After his failed presidential campaign, Jay Inslee returned to Washington to seek a third term. As his disapproval numbers soar, which Republican is best suited to take back the Governor’s mansion?

Join KTTH for our first GOP Gubernatorial Forum moderated by Jason Rantz (KTTH host, 3-6pm) featuring four Republican candidates: Republican State Senator Phil Fortunato, former Bothell Mayor Joshua Freed, Republic police chief Loren Culp, and businessman Anton Sakharov.

This won’t be a traditional debate. This will be a lively discussion where candidates will tackle the topics most important to listeners, including gun rights, homelessness and the opioiod epidemic, transportation and so much more.

The forum takes place on February 28, 2019 at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma from 7-9pm. The event is free, but you must register for tickets (with a 4 ticket limit). Seats are first come, first served and you must be attendance by 6:55pm before you risk opening your seats to wait-listed attendees. The event will be recorded (video and audio) and will be broadcast the following week. Do not miss what promises to be an informative forum where you’ll get to know all your Republican candidates for governor.

Our February 28th event is full, but if you want to be added to our wait list, please complete the form below and tell us the best way to contact you in case of an opening. If seats open up, registrants will be contacted on a first come, first served basis.

Panelist bios:

State Senator Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn): In 2018, when other Republicans lost, I gained 2 points and am now the last remaining Republican Senator in King County. I am the only candidate with legislative experience and the New Tribune “Branded” me as “Anti-Tax, Anti Sound Transit and have a Ayn Rand like reflexive opposition to Government Regulation”, like that’s a bad thing. As someone who has Washington, Oregon & Utah carry permits, I am also a stanch supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights.

Former Bothell Mayor Joshua Freed: Joshua is a proud, lifelong Washingtonian. He was born in Kirkland, lived in Egypt and Pakistan, graduated from Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, and married his college sweetheart, Lindie, after they graduated from Seattle Pacific University. Joshua served for twelve years on the Bothell City Council, and was chosen to lead the city as mayor where he oversaw the greatest revitalization of a downtown in Washington with a remarkable $450 million in private investment. Joshua served on the King County Mental Health Advisory Board and was the leader against government run heroin injection sites through Initiative 27.

Republic Police Chief Loren Culp: As a U.S. Army Soldier, Loren honed his leadership skills in the Drill Sergeant School which he then used to help turn civilians into soldiers. After his military service, he was a small business owner for more than 20 years. In November of 2018, Loren was the first Police Executive to take a stand against the gun restriction initiative 1639 which he believes is unconstitutional.

Businessman Anton Sakharov: Anton Sakharov brings vast leadership, private management experience and excellent education to the Gubernatorial Office. As a proud American Patriot and true conservative, he will stand up against Socialism, and will bring common sense and transparency to Washington state government. He is a fighter for the people and will ensure the governor’s office is restored to represent the citizens of Washington state. Visit his campaign website for more information about his candidacy.

Tim Eyman: No one has defended taxpayers or fought for voters like Tim Eyman. Born and raised in Yakima, Tim was a championship-level wrestler for WSU, ran a small business in King County, and visited every part of Washington over the years, listening to voters’ concerns about issues the entire time. A fearless, battle-tested fighter, Tim achieved results for Washington. He passed 11 initiatives, most recently $30 car tabs, and saved taxpayers $43 billion. In his 20+ years as a policy reformer, Tim has demonstrated the persistence needed to solve Washington’s big problems, defend our rights, and defeat Jay Inslee. Visit Eyman’s website for more information about his candidacy.