Democrats start a big battle over a short term
May 18, 2012, 2:38 PM | Updated: 3:03 pm
Democrat Darcy Burner said the person chosen in the special election might only have the seat for a short time, but it will be a very important period in congress. (Image courtesy Darcy Burner Campaign)
(Image courtesy Darcy Burner Campaign)
A local Democrat has ruffled some major feathers at party headquarters.
When Congressman Jay Inslee stepped down to enter the Washington state governor’s race, he left a hole in the 1st District that will require two elections: One for the next term, and a special election for just one month.
The Chair of the State Democratic Party thought they would avoid any confusion by running a single candidate for the special election.
Democrat Darcy Burner decided to put her name on the ballot for both races. She said the person chosen in the special election might only have the seat for a short time, but it will be a very important period in congress.
“Speaker Boehner has made it pretty clear that he intends to put cuts to things like Social Security and Medicare on the table, and we’re gonna need all hands on deck to stop them,” said Burner.
State Party Chair Dwight Pelz said that after Burner announced her candidacy, all the other democrats decided to follow suit. There are now a half dozen names on the special election ballot.
“Voters get confused, and when voters get confused there’s a potential to lose votes,” said Pelz.
Burner said she never agreed to stay out of the race.
“I don’t tolerate bullies, and if he’s going to try to be a bully about a deal that I didn’t agree to and other candidates didn’t agree to, he’s entitled to, but I think voters deserve to make this choice for themselves,” said Burner.
The other Democrats in the special election include former state revenue director Suzan DelBene, state Senator Steve Hobbs, Snohomish City Councilman Brian Sullivan, former state Representative Laura Ruderman, and Bothell high-tech entrepreneur Darshan Rauniyar.
