It seems to me that in re BURNER VS. DelBene, Burner brings a committed group of progressives but likely can not win. DelBene brings the endorsements of every major Democrat and organized labor . It is likely that Suzan can win and will hold that seat for a very long time. She also brings a lot more experience in government and business, a commitment to President Obama, and stands on the issues that, frankly, seem to me to not be very different from Burner’s.
The difference between them is who would be more effective in representing the 1st. I think the choice is obvious.
House Ways and Means Chairman endorses DelBene for 1st Congressional District
BOTHELL – Today, state legislator and Ways and Means Chair Ross Hunter endorsed Suzan DelBene in her bid for Washington’s newly drawn 1st Congressional District.
“I’ve known Suzan for years and I know she’s got the right experience and leadership skills to get our economy on the right track,” said Hunter. “Working families and businesses in the 1st District need a representative who understands what it will take to spur economic growth and create jobs. Suzan is that person.”
A five-term legislator from Washington’s 48th District, Hunter is a leader in the legislature on education funding, tax fairness and transportation infrastructure. As Chairman of the House Ways and Means committee, Hunter has been the lead budget writer in the State House.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive Ross’ endorsement and consider him to be a friend and mentor,” said DelBene. “With him as a local partner, I am confident that we can move forward on taking concrete steps to reforming our tax code to help encourage broad-based economic growth and more jobs for the families in the 1st district.
In addition to Hunter’s endorsement, DelBene has also received the endorsements from a number of elected leaders such as Gov. Chris Gregoire, Rep. Rick Larsen, Ferndale Mayor Gary Jensen, State Rep. Marko Liias, State Rep. Derek Stanford and State Rep. Hans Dunshee. These endorsements bolster a growing list of broad support for DelBene that also includes the Washington State Labor Council, National Education Association, Sheet Metal Workers, Operating Engineers, Communication Workers of America,Aerospace Machinists District 751 and Teamsters, Joint Council No. 28.
Before entering the 1st District race, DelBene served as head of the Washington State Department of Revenue, where she oversaw more than 1,000 employees. Previously, DelBene pursued a successful career in business, working as a senior executive at Microsoft, and in biotech, technology and microfinance.