Chief
05-06-2008, 04:54 AM
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/05/05062008_Around-the-Area-May-6.cfm
Community organizer Bridget Schwarz said Monday that she thinks she collected enough signatures Sunday to guarantee that she’ll be in the race for county commissioner.
Schwarz, an independent looking to succeed Betty Sue Morris, drew 119 supporters in six hours Sunday to an event described by state law as a “nominating convention.”
The just-in-case operation, which consisted of Schwarz sitting behind two folding tables outside the Three Creeks Community Library, may not have been required.
It illustrated the confusion surrounding Washington’s election process this year, in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding a nonpartisan “top-two” primary. The “nominating convention” and 100 signatures were the former requirement for making the ballot.
Under the new rules, all candidates go on the primary ballot. The top two vote-winners in the primary would advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
But state political parties might mount legal challenges to the new primary system.
If they defend the old system, Schwarz didn’t want to lose ballot access, so she’s seeking to qualify under both old and new systems.
Well done and Congratulations to Bridget for going through all of the hoops to ensure she makes the ballot. That demonstrates excellent tenacity, prior planning ability, and just plain common sense.
Good job Bridget!
mrgrn
Community organizer Bridget Schwarz said Monday that she thinks she collected enough signatures Sunday to guarantee that she’ll be in the race for county commissioner.
Schwarz, an independent looking to succeed Betty Sue Morris, drew 119 supporters in six hours Sunday to an event described by state law as a “nominating convention.”
The just-in-case operation, which consisted of Schwarz sitting behind two folding tables outside the Three Creeks Community Library, may not have been required.
It illustrated the confusion surrounding Washington’s election process this year, in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding a nonpartisan “top-two” primary. The “nominating convention” and 100 signatures were the former requirement for making the ballot.
Under the new rules, all candidates go on the primary ballot. The top two vote-winners in the primary would advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
But state political parties might mount legal challenges to the new primary system.
If they defend the old system, Schwarz didn’t want to lose ballot access, so she’s seeking to qualify under both old and new systems.
Well done and Congratulations to Bridget for going through all of the hoops to ensure she makes the ballot. That demonstrates excellent tenacity, prior planning ability, and just plain common sense.
Good job Bridget!
mrgrn