georgefearing.com

(Yakima) Saturday, two hundred Democrats turned out for the 4th Congressional District nominating convention at Eisenhower High School in Yakima. The 4th Congressional District spans Central Washington including Yakima, Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Moses Lake and Othello. Ten Central Washington Counties are within the district’s boundaries.

The Democrats used their time to determine delegates to go onto the state convention and then to the national convention in Denver. Democrats also used this time to establish their unanimous support of George Fearing (D-Kennewick) in his bid to unseat Doc Hastings (R-Pasco).

George opened the morning with a speech raising concerns over Doc Hastings’ leadership on the issues that matter most to Central Washington including the economy, gas prices, energy independence, and ending the war in Iraq. Fearing suggested that our economic woes directly relate to the occupation of Iraq, arguing that the cost of this war will likely be trillions of dollars, resulting in both the continuing escalation of prices at the pump and the devaluing of the American dollar.

“President Bush said the war in Iraq would bring down gas prices,” said Fearing, “yet soon it will cost more than $4.00 per gallon.”

Fearing also argues that Doc Hastings is failing on the issues that matter most to Central Washington by not serving on either the agriculture or energy committees. He does not understand Central Washington’s priorities and he cannot get the job done for us. George ended his speech with a call for change urging Democratic activists to participate in the 50 for Change program. Activists will register 50 voters, knock on 50 doors, or make 50 calls for change in Congress this November.

Immediately following George’s speech, Ron Bonlender, local business owner in Yakima, moved that Democrats of Central Washington nominate George to for the official 4th Congressional District endorsement. The motion was seconded unanimously, and then carried unanimously.

Democratic wins in special elections in Illinois, Louisiana, and rural Mississippi indicate that victory is within Fearing’s reach.

Energy for change extends far beyond the race for congress this year. John Gotts (D–White Salmon), running against Bruce Chandler (R-Granger) for the 15 Legislative District, is leading an effort across Central Washington to get Democrats to run for legislative positions. “I believe it’s time that Democrats in Central Washington have a voice in the House. The only way for people in our 4th Congressional District to have a voice is to find and elect people who represent our values and needs.”

Richard Brinkman, chair of the 4th Congressional District Democratic organization called the event to order and presided over Fearing’s unanimous vote.

“Today is a great day to be a Democrat,” said Brinkman, “the party is very engaged in the presidential nomination process, is united behind George Fearing, and is fielding competitive candidates in races all across Central Washington. 2008 really is the year for change.”

While accepting the nomination Fearing concluded, “I’m humbled and honored to be the unanimous choice of Democrats in Central Washington.  I will fight hard for change this November and I implore Democrats across the Central Washington to give their time, money, and labor for change.”

George’s unanimous nomination comes two weeks after receiving a unanimous endorsement from the AFL-CIO at their yearly committee on political education (COPE) convention. It also comes a few days after the 15th LD Democrats provided their unanimous support. The 14th LD Democrats, Yakima County Democrats and Benton County Democrats also gave Fearing unanimous support.