According to a new report from KTTH’s Jason Rantz, Attorney General Bob Ferguson covertly managed two lawsuits that aimed to invalidate voter-backed initiatives without informing the public, the media, or the initiatives’ organizers. Ferguson acknowledged in court documents that these interested parties were deliberately excluded. The lawsuits, initiated by far-left groups and four voters, challenged the signature verification process for the initiatives.

Despite being represented by Ferguson, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs failed to notify the initiatives’ sponsors, Let’s Go Washington and State Representative Jim Walsh, both considered interested parties. Ferguson, who opposes the initiatives and counts some plaintiffs as his supporters, had a clear conflict of interest and should have recused himself but did not. The Supreme Court ultimately allowed the initiatives to proceed, blocking Ferguson’s supporters from disenfranchising voters.

Former Attorney General Rob McKenna called Ferguson’s actions “highly unusual,” and Ferguson’s defense—that the cases were public in court dockets—is disingenuous, to say the least. This is just another example of many in a pattern of unethical behavior by Ferguson. He has a long history of withholding critical documents in lawsuits, resulting in sanctions and fines. Ferguson’s troubling disregard for ethical standards and transparency should concern every voter. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

A key hydrogen plant in Centralia, Washington – The Pacific Northwest Clean Hydrogen Hub – has been paused due to exorbitant electricity costs, with the developer, Fortescue, sidelining the project for more economically viable alternatives elsewhere. Of course, this stall comes despite the Democrats’ hyped promises of a green energy transition, which somehow always turn out hollow. The lack of affordable renewable electricity—a critical component of green hydrogen production—shines a spotlight on the state’s continual failure to plan effectively.

The results of Democrats’ promise in this case is nothing more than a so-called “clean energy” hub that is really just a money drain with little chance of success. The state government’s inability to secure reliable energy sources or streamline project execution has set up the hydrogen hub for failure. Taxpayers, once again, are burdened with billions of wasted dollars and empty promises that has left the state no closer to achieving Democrats’ clean energy pipedreams. Read more at Washington State Standard.

The fate of Initiative 2124, which would make the long-term care tax optional, is uncertain. As the Washington Policy Center recently pointed out, on one hand, the long-term care tax is widely unpopular, with voters already expressing their desire to abolish it, and growing awareness of its unfair financial burden on lower-wage workers. On the other hand, a well-funded campaign by SEIU 775 and misleading state marketing efforts may sway voters to keep the mandatory program. The confusing ballot language could further complicate voter decisions, with a “yes” vote allowing workers to opt out and a “no” vote maintaining the current tax. Polling is inconclusive, and older voters, who aren’t taxed, may influence the outcome. Just another reminder of the importance of voting this November! Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

Have you subscribed to the new Shift WA podcast yet? We’ve already released three full episodes, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive:

• David Olson talks about his bid for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, including the role of OSPI, implications of I-2081, and his approaches to learning loss and school tech policies. He also addresses rising anti-Semitism in schools and the need for more apprenticeships.
• Jacquelin Maycumber outlines her campaign for the 5th congressional district, her reasons for running, and her views on Congress’s role. She covers national debt, entitlement reform, the border crisis, and offers insights on the Jones Act.

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