The Democrat Party’s move to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. off the Washington ballot this November reeks of hypocrisy. While they loudly proclaim themselves as the defenders of democracy, they are simultaneously working behind the scenes to block a legitimate candidate from even appearing on the ballot. Their argument hinges on a technicality, claiming Kennedy’s supporters didn’t gather signatures at a formal party convention as required by law, even though thousands of voters signed petitions at public events. This is part of a broader, coast-to-coast effort by Democrats to stifle Kennedy’s campaign, with similar challenges in multiple states. It’s ironic—and deeply troubling—that the party that insists on protecting voter choice is so eager to limit it when a candidate they don’t favor gains traction. This blatant attempt to control the democratic process undermines their credibility and raises serious questions about their commitment to the principles they claim to uphold. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

The Washington Supreme Court’s recent rulings on two lawsuits – secretly managed by far-left AG Bob Ferguson – concerning voter initiatives for the November ballot continues to raise serious concerns, especially among the initiatives’ backers, who were blindsided by the legal challenges just hours before the decisions. These initiatives, aimed at repealing the state’s capital gains tax, ending the cap-and-trade program, and making a state-run long-term care program optional, were targeted by lawsuits from Defend Washington and Washington Conservation Action Education Fund. They claimed Secretary of State Steve Hobbs mishandled the signature certification process.

What’s particularly troubling is that supporters, including WA GOP Chair Rep. Jim Walsh, were kept in the dark about these legal challenges, which had been quietly advancing since January 2024. Despite no legal obligation to notify them, it’s certainly hard to ignore the ethical implications of leaving interested parties out of the loop on such significant litigation. Greg Lane of the Building Industry Association of Washington did get a brief heads-up from Hobbs, but many others didn’t even get that courtesy. This lack of transparency feels like a deliberate attempt to push these lawsuits through without giving supporters a fair chance to respond, raising serious questions about voter suppression and the ethics of the entire process. Read more at Center Square.

According to the Washington Policy Center, the solar industry in Washington state is allegedly colluding with the government to secure taxpayer funding and silence criticism, as highlighted by a board member of the Washington State Solar Industry Association. This board member reportedly bragged about the cozy relationship in an email, advising reporters to avoid associating with critics like the Washington Policy Center. The controversy centers around a $100,000 solar-powered electric vehicle charging station in Tumwater, with additional funding potentially coming from a low-carbon fuel standard program.

Of course, solar panels are highly inefficient in Western Washington. It’s a poor use of funds for CO2 reduction. But, despite the inefficiency of solar power in the region, politicians and industry members are benefiting from taxpayer subsidies. The industry’s attempt to dictate media coverage by discrediting critics and praising government officials points to the troubling pattern of self-interest over genuine environmental benefits – something the Washington Policy Center repeatedly warns about. It’s all part of the broader issue of “green” industries leveraging taxpayer money while evading scrutiny – and that’s why they cannot stand organizations like Shift WA or the Washington Policy Center. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

Spokane’s City Council is poised to vote on an ordinance that would classify “housing status” as a protected class, preventing employers from discriminating against homeless individuals. The awful idea, introduced by Councilmember Lili Navarrete, also grants homeless individuals the right to retain their property and be free from “unreasonable searches” while seeking care and shelter services. Navarrete claims it will help the homeless find jobs without affecting law enforcement or existing laws. However, many local businesses, including the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) and the Spokane Business Association (SBA), are deeply concerned. DSP President Emilie Cameron has argued that some of the protections go too far and could worsen the homelessness crisis by encouraging behaviors that contribute to it. The ordinance would most certainly lead to unintended consequences like increased crime, higher vacancy rates, and overwhelmed law enforcement, ultimately harming the community. Read more at Center Square.

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.

Subscribe now and don’t miss out on these critical discussions!

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