Grassroots Key to McKenna Win

"Grassroots is where we're going to defeat the Democratic machine" said Jill Fagan, McKenna Political Director, to an enthusiastic group at Hoquiam's Golden Dragon restaurant last night. Ideas were flying and brains were storming at the McKenna Steering Committee Meeting.

"It's all about voter contact and making it local. Voter contact is key," she added, "whether it's door-belling, phone-banking, talking to your friends and family, work contacts, wherever you are. If you're excited about a candidate, you can get your contacts excited, too."

Fagan reported that in the first day out after the fundraising freeze lifted while the legislature was in session, the McKenna campaign raised $30,000. "Rob's campaign has more donors and more excitement than our opponent's" she said, noting that McKenna is also getting good press from the media. Although early, he also leads Inslee "in nearly ever poll."

A variety of volunteer opportunities and a countywide field plan were also discussed as well as the "Super Saturday" door-belling event set for April 28.

The next McKenna Steering Committee Meeting is set for Tuesday, May 14, at 208 E. Wishkah Street, Aberdeen. See Cathy Colley for details: cathycolley@comcast.net or 581-5053.

Grays Harbor for Rob McKenna Update

The Grays Harbor for Rob McKenna Steering Committee on October 18 at the Golden Dragon restaurant in Hoquiam. Jill Fagan, political director for the McKenna team, provided a campaign update and noted that "thousands of brand new donors" are on board. She also outlined a plan for building a schedule of events and putting together grassroots organizations for each county. Attendees were asked for input regarding local issues and events.

Among the many items discussed relating to the Grays Harbor political scene were: Wild Olympics, jobs and the economy, healthcare, illegal immigration and education.

The committee is actively recruiting for specific roles and assignments, including on-line/rapid response teams, social media, volunteer recruitment and committee expansion. The next committee meeting will take place in January 2012.

For additional information, contact Cathy Colley.

Pollster: Inslee Barely Ahead in King County; McKenna Surging

The latest poll numbers showing Republican Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna beating US Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA,1) 46-39 in the 2012 governor’s race contain some more grim news for Inslee: He’s barely ahead in King County, traditionally a Democratic stronghold.

PubliCola reports that the Democrat is "supposed to win King County" and Inslee does in the latest poll: 45-39." But that's hardly something for Democrats to crow about. In 2010, Patty Murray (D-WA) beat Republican challenger Dino Rossi in King County in 2010 64.59 to 34.91.

Says Kevin Ingham, vice president for polling and research at Strategies 360, told PubliCola:

"The size of Inslee’s lead in King County should be a concern for Democrats. In 2004, Chris Gregoire beat Dino Rossi 58 percent to 40 percent in King County. At this point, McKenna has as much support as Rossi did, while Inslee has far less than Gregoire wound up with."

Republicans need to be in the mid-40s in King County on election day to have any chance of winning, says PublicCola. Right now McKenna has a 40 percent favorability rating in King —which is higher than he scores in any other part of the state. Inslee’s favorable rating in King County is 42 percent.

To read the full article, click here.