In news that really isn't new Democrat John Ladenburg announced he is running for Washington State Attorney General. There have been hints that the Pierce County Executive and former Prosecutor has been interested in tilting against incumbent Rob McKenna ever since the Republican kicked off his re-election campaign last year.
Ladenburg has formed an exploratory committee and has a cursory website; www.ladenburg.org. A statement regarding his decision to run is posted, in full, at the end of this article.
What is notable is that the accomplishments and priorities Ladenburg touts for himself - combating identity theft, drug proliferation, consumer fraud and arguing cases in the court room - are all the same issues and accomplishments McKenna has previously staked out and owns.
Ladenburg will face an uphill challenge if he hopes to differentiate himself. Particularly since McKenna has nurtured the good will of ticket-splitters who look to vote for a palatable Republican candidate.
So far the harshest words from the Democrat seem to be a promise to "change the political nature of the [AG] office"; a criticism which in fairness seems more applicable to the prior attorney general than the current.
Pierce County's term-limits law prevent Ladenburg from running for a third term as County Executive. He is the former chair of Sound Transit and an architect of the failed RTID/Sound Transit funding proposal which was demolished by voters last November. In this role, Ladenburg was a vocal proponent of building the "Cross-Base Highway" through Fort Lewis, a position that drew the enmity of so-called progressives and rabid environmentalists in his party.
From website:
"I have formed an exploratory committee to seek the elected position of Washington State Attorney General. For the past several months I have been encouraged to run for Attorney General by many friends and after conversations with my family I have decided to move forward.I am interested in being Washington State's Attorney General because I believe I can serve the citizens of the State of Washington with the challenges they face with consumer fraud, identity theft, and the constant battle against the proliferation of drugs and violent crime. I believe my 12 years of private practice, fourteen years as Pierce County Prosecutor and eight years as Pierce County's Executive gives me the type of real world experience to be an effective and responsive Attorney General. Working in the field of law enforcement and actually trying cases in the courtrooms of our state gives me hands on experience that few Attorney Generals have ever had.
It is my belief that the Attorney General is the citizens' lawyer and should be responsive to the public needs. Many have urged me to run because they believe the office has become too political and biased. If elected, I would change the political nature of the office and return it to the citizens of the state in representing their interests as consumers and citizens of the State of Washington.
I also believe we need an Attorney General who knows their way around a court room and is not afraid to roll up their sleeves to defend the interests of the State of Washington on matters ranging from death penalty to woman's right to choose. The State needs an Attorney General that reflects the traditions, values and ideological concerns of its citizens and I believe my record as both a lawyer, prosecutor and County Executive show that I have both the temperament and ability to serve as the citizens' lawyer."
Update: Rob McKenna's re-election campaign has sent out a press release on the heels of Ladenburg's announcement. The Bellevue Republican takes umbrage with his Democratic opponent and apparently has a bone to pick about misrepresenting records.
For the reading pleasure of the Sound Politics audience I've included the full text of McKenna's press release below.
It's Official: John Landenburg Doesn't Fact CheckOccasional attorney general candidate John Ladenburg announced his second try for the office today, having garnered just 16.6 percent of the vote in his first failed attempt. Ladenburg announced his candidacy with an error-filled press release consisting primarily of ad hominem attacks. Actual facts about the Attorney General and the office were noticeably absent.
Attorney General Rob McKenna responded, "I am proud of my record of accomplishment in the office my opponent now seeks. I am surprised he failed to do any research before launching these baseless attacks."
Ladenburg claim: No progress on identity theft.
Reality: Ladenburg's attacks on McKenna's record battling identity theft are unsupported. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Washington's ranking has for cases of identity theft has dropped from seventh to ninth during McKenna's tenure. McKenna's accomplishments fighting identity theft include:
Creation of the LEGIT task force, a coordinated law enforcement and consumer education effort to fight identity theft.
The 14-city Guard It! tour, teaching business and community groups about identify theft prevention.
Introducing successful credit freeze legislation to give consumers the right to freeze their credit and protect their personal finances.
These accomplishments beg the question, what did John Ladenburg do as county executive and prosecutor to battle identity theft?
Ladenburg claim: The Attorney General's office spent money on ad agencies.
Reality: The Attorney General's Office has never hired an ad agency. McKenna is frequently asked to speak in public service announcements that cost taxpayers nothing. For example, the latest internet safety PSA featuring McKenna alongside McGruff, the crime-fighting dog, was produced and paid for by Comcast. No taxpayer money was used. PSAs are useful for educating citizens about potential dangers and cost the state nothing.
Ladenburg claim: "We simply cannot trust Rob McKenna to reflect the beliefs of an overwhelming majority of Washington citizens."
Reality: Attorney General Rob McKenna has twice defended voter-approved initiatives before the U.S. Supreme Court. He won his first case 9-0 and is awaiting the results of the second. Rob McKenna will always defend the laws of this state, especially those passed directly by the people.
Ladenburg claim: No progress on consumer protection or public safety.Reality: Some of Attorney General McKenna's accomplishments in these areas include,
Co-chaired national negotiations with Ameriquest, curbing its predatory lending practices.
Secured from the Legislature the first increase in consumer protection division funding in many years.
Developed the High Tech Investigation Unit to fight spyware purveyors, phishers, and identity thieves. Washington has brought more spyware cases than any other state.
Led outreach to the Latino community to educate Spanish-speaking Washingtonians on consumer scams.
Convened the Operation: Allied Against Meth task force, comprising law enforcement officials, prosecutors, treatment providers, and community officials, to evaluate ways to address Washington 's methamphetamine epidemic.
Shepherded the Operation: Allied Against Meth task force's recommendations through the legislature, resulting in over 5 million new dollars directed across the state.
Organized an Internet Safety Task Force to discuss tools for protecting children on the internet and negotiated for increased safeguards against sex predators on social networking sites such as MySpace.
Introduced a comprehensive package of sex offender legislation, which passed with bipartisan support. The package 1) required mandatory prison terms for crimes committed with sexual motivation, 2) gave community centers the right to ban sex offenders, and 3) increased the penalty for possession of child pornography to a minimum of one year in prison.
Update: The Washington State Republican Party has weighed in with a press release that is critical of Ladenburg's role with Sound Transit and other issues.
For some reason these guys just don't like John too much...
Posted by DonWard at February 06, 2008 05:32 PM | Email ThisWow! I always thought the Attorney General was required to defend and follow the law. Just what I always wanted, a Attorney General who follows his "ideological" concerns.
Posted by: Island Republican on February 6, 2008 06:36 PMNot a great prosecutor, save for the Nifong-like grandstanding, and a C+ (credit for effort) county executive.
Looks good in a suit, though.
The Geezer
Posted by: The Geezer on February 6, 2008 09:20 PMOn the other hand, Ladenberg has spent eight years out of practice, which is a slight demerit. But I think that is far outweighed by 26 years spent actually practicing law, compared to basically zero years of litigation experience by McKenna.
Posted by: Richard Pope on February 6, 2008 09:29 PMOn the other hand, Ladenberg has spent eight years out of practice, which is a slight demerit. But I think that is far outweighed by 26 years spent actually practicing law, compared to basically zero years of litigation experience by McKenna.
Posted by: Richard Pope on February 6, 2008 09:29 PMOn the other hand, Ladenberg has spent eight years out of practice, which is a slight demerit. But I think that is far outweighed by 26 years spent actually practicing law, compared to basically zero years of litigation experience by McKenna.
Posted by: Richard Pope on February 6, 2008 09:30 PMOn the other hand, Ladenberg has spent eight years out of practice, which is a slight demerit. But I think that is far outweighed by 26 years spent actually practicing law, compared to basically zero years of litigation experience by McKenna.
Posted by: Richard Pope on February 6, 2008 09:30 PMAt least with Rob there is glimmer of hope that he represents us.
I heard this today and thought it a joke.
Oh and the privae section for John will consist of getting a grant from a Soros like funding source and leasing a copy machine and defending the children against parents that want lower taxes, will not ride the bus and want equal opportunities for all.
Posted by: Col. Hogan on February 6, 2008 09:50 PMSorry about the quad post. I hate it when the system freezes up like that.
So do you mean barometer or anemometer?
Posted by: Richard Pope on February 6, 2008 10:01 PMJust like a lawyer, talking out of both sides of his mouth.
McKenna is right: he has had significant accomplishments in all the areas Ladenberg says he hasn't, and McKenna has worked hard to uphold all the laws of the state ... even when Republicans don't want him to. He does his job, and he does it well.
Posted by: pudge on February 6, 2008 10:28 PMOf all the posts here and on the above link you provided, only one is not anti-Ladenburg, and at best it's only lukewarm.
In 2006 he argued against all but one Pierce County Charter Amendment--even wrote or co-wrote all the Statements Against the amendments in the Voter's Pamphlet (scroll to pages 12-34 once there). You might also want to read the ridiculous letter he sent to the Charter Review Commission.
Oh, and as many will recall, the News Tribune disagreed with all but one (maybe two) amendments as well, yet The People passed 7 of the 9 amendments. What's that tell you about how The People feel about Ladenburg, and about the one paper in this one-paper county? It tells us a LOT.
As many people do, I have my own set of reasons for not wanting to see Ladenburg in ANY position of government--or any position of authority for that matter. The mother-of-all reason is what I call the American Idol Syndrome, you know, the affliction that seems to affect thousands of people who can't sing to save their life but who believe with all their being they�re the best singer in the world. I don't know if Ladenburg can sing or not, but he�s made it blatantly obvious that he thinks he's the best at what he does. He simply cannot see where he has failed. He has the syndrome.
Posted by: Stacy Emerson on February 7, 2008 12:39 AMNews Tribune Article and comments: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/breaking/story/275875.html
Voters Pamphlet: http://lifeinpiercecounty.com/elections/2006 gen.pdf
Ladenburg's letter the the Charter Review Commission: http://lifeinpiercecounty.com/elections/Ladenburg-letter-to-ChartRev.pdf
Posted by: Stacy Emerson on February 7, 2008 12:43 AMMcKenna has upheld all the laws in the state except one.For political reasons he had to let law enforcement ignore the medical marijuana law.
If you want Yakima or Walla Walla to be able to ignore the laws the neo cons don't like,like the medical marijuana law. then McKenna is your man.
Oh, Pudge will need proof Here we go Pudgerooney.
From: "Kenneth Irwin"
To:
Subject: FW: medical marijuana
Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 10:28:55 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0
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In the state of Washington, possession of marijuana is a criminal offense. A medical marijuana law has not been passed.
Ken
(read the rest of the counties defiance and alterations here)
http://letfreedomgrow.com/aamcwashington-plants.htm#YAKIMA
Make sure you neo-cons give ole Rob a slap on the back for upholding your fine moral standards.
Posted by: Publicbulldog on February 7, 2008 04:52 AMHe will round up the sick,cripple,and dying and escort them all to federal court on the state's dime.He will make you agents of intolerance types proud.
He will find a way to reframe the issue and take it from compassion to one of myth and lore.
There comes a point when you go from being tough to being mean.
I don't know how you neo cons can look in the mirror sometimes.
Is this off topic or are you talking about Rob McKenna on this thread.I don't want to ruin the neo-cons vision of intolerant sugar plumbs dancing in their mean little heads.
Posted by: Publicbulldog on February 7, 2008 05:05 AMZIP.
It is the first state general law in Washington State history that the counties have been able to ignore.
Why does Rob McKenna ignore the medical marijuana law.? So that the ubber condservative can feel a collective AHHH ,while the sick cripple and dying people have their state rights taken away by a state agency.
The feds don't have the money to do this they need the state to help,AND THEY GET IT.
Thanks Rob.
Is this off topic or is this thread about Rob McKenna.I wouldn't want Fred to have to "Update" this thread cause he doesn't like the message.
Tacoma News Tribune Article and Comments, 2/7/08
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/276580.html
http://community.thenewstribune.com/?q=node/31712
Posted by: Sharon Carter on February 7, 2008 05:29 AMTacoma News Tribune Article and Comments, 2/7/08
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/276580.html
http://community.thenewstribune.com/?q=node/31712
Posted by: Sharon Carter on February 7, 2008 05:29 AM
Fred Ward's reality: Attorney General Rob McKenna has twice defended voter-approved initiatives before the U.S. Supreme Court. He won his first case 9-0 and is awaiting the results of the second. "Rob McKenna will always defend the laws of this state, especially those passed directly by the people".
Public bulldog's Reality: As far as medical marijuana is concrened ..no...Rob Doesn't reflect the beliefs of the majority,and no he doesn't defend the laws passed by the people ...
Rob is going to have to run against his failure to protect the medical marijuana law.I will make sure of it.
View the full Public Disclosure Commission document here - http://web.pdc.wa.gov/archive/compliance/reports/pdf/LADENBURG.pdf
Posted by: Stacy Emerson on February 7, 2008 07:42 AMRob McKenna is doing a great job- the LAST thing we need is good old John (Sound Transit) Ladenburg looking out for our interests the way he did for the Millers in Tacoma, while he was a part of taking their property from them, without even notifying them that Sound Transit was going to proceed with that action.
That un-American behavior by Sound Transit and the ST Board precipitated the adoption of a new Washington State law attempting to provide the most basic protection to property owners possible- that at the VERY LEAST they would be aware of a state agency's actions to take their property.
Ladenburg was also Chair of Sound Transit when they adopted a policy that the public could only speak to the Sound Transit Board when a topic was an "action item" on the agenda (to be decided on THAT DAY).
That means that by the time the public could communicate with the Board, that the back-room politic-ing had already been decided, and there would be no way to influence the Board with an appeal, especially if you just learned of the agency trying to take your house, for example.
So much for open, transparent, responsive, compassionate government under John Ladenburg.
Let's stick with someone (Rob McKenna) who's doing the job well, & with integrity- and no, I am not a Republican. I'm ashamed Ladenburg calls himself a Democrat, or a representative of the people for that matter.
Posted by: Dream On Ladenburg on February 7, 2008 12:37 PMPrometa, Prometa, Prometa
Posted by: Deryl McCarty on February 8, 2008 10:44 AM