Attorney General Rob McKenna began his re-election bid hosting his official kickoff breakfast in Bellevue this morning. Around 1,600 people shelled out $35 - or more - to hear the Bellevue Republican speak.
McKenna gave a slick kickoff speech, without notes, standing away from the podium while using an ear-mike. As incongruous as the statement might sound, the 45-year old attorney has a certain rock star appeal to GOP faithful. This image was enhanced by a "high-energy" speech which was concluded by cranking up CCR's "Up around the Bend" to around 11 on the Meydenbauer sound system.
He touched upon three main issues which have become synonymous with his three years in office: combating methamphetamine use, increasing the penalties for domestic violence and fighting identity theft.
As AG, McKenna is the highest ranking Republican holding state-wide office.
So far state Democrats have not announced a challenger. Time will tell whether McKenna will face a credible opponent or a sacrificial lamb. In 2004 Democrats matched widely unpopular Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn who - to use a little DnD jargon - had a tendency to fail her charisma throws.
McKenna's ticket-splitting appeal has been enhanced already with the announced support of State Auditor Brian Sonntag and Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Janice Ellis, both Democrats. Ellis spoke on behalf of McKenna during the kickoff.
Update: KOMO 1000 Radio is reporting that Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg is being touted by Democrats as a potential candidate. Ladenburg is the former Prosecuting Attorney for Pierce County and is the board chair of Sound Transit.
Posted by DonWard at November 14, 2007 10:22 AM | Email ThisWow, that's surprising. She must be less partisan then I originally though.
I always thought she was going to use the county prosecutor's position as a stepping stone. I might be wrong about that, because this can't possibly be good for her political career, at least in getting the Democratic nomination for anything.
Sonntag doesn't surprise me because he's clearly not running for anything else, and McKenna is a partner with him for good government issues and the like. Actually, Sonntag was the only D I voted for in 2004, one of the few I've ever voted for.
Posted by: cliff on November 14, 2007 11:49 AMOther then sue them for things they do wrong, I don't think McKenna has the power to do much about DSHS. I think maybe he should be investigating them more and such, but actually restructuring them would be the governor. Of course, good luck getting that from Gregoire.
Posted by: Cliff on November 14, 2007 02:10 PMHe really can't even do that. Remember, the Attorney General is the state's attorney ... meaning, he has to defend DSHS - right or wrong - in court.
Want to change DSHS? Start with the Legislature. If I recall, in 1995 the House voted to split up DSHS into five, different pieces. But that's as far as it got.
Posted by: jimg on November 14, 2007 02:43 PMI believe it's Dungeons and Dragons. And you can be forgiven for not knowing anything about it ... 'cause I didn't get it, either.
Posted by: jimg on November 14, 2007 02:47 PMBasically he's a reasonable guy. But he supports a shield law to enable reporters to use anonymous sources without limit, and that sort of law is the strongest sort of encouragement for reporters to fabricate slanders whenever they wish to shove public opinion one way or another without supporting facts.
In today's hyper-partisan world, that's poison to a democracy. I'd like to see him make a reasoned defense of that shield law. Does he think journalists are saints?
Posted by: Insufficiently Sensitive on November 14, 2007 05:19 PMThat's partially wrong. He does have to defend them if they are sued by citizens, that's true, but nothing stops him from suing them if they violate the law.
I'd have to know more about the facts, but I frankly do think that a lawsuit or two over some of the things they have done may be appropriate.
Posted by: cliff on November 14, 2007 05:32 PMWoops! My mistake.
Anyhow, I wasn't aware of any such promise either, but I wouldn't mind seeing him investigate DSHS more.
Posted by: cliff on November 14, 2007 05:36 PMI don't specfically remember DSHS. But that's how it would likely have fit into the picture.
Posted by: TB on November 14, 2007 10:57 PMI wasn't aware there is an official hierarchy. If so, where can I see it?
Anyhow, even if you are right, there is no doubt that the Attorney General's position is higher profile and more powerful then Sec. of State.
Posted by: cliff on November 15, 2007 03:56 PMI would settle for one out of two, though.
Posted by: T.J. on November 19, 2007 03:08 AM