GOP gubernatorial hopeful Dave Reichert is raising serious questions about Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s commitment to public safety. In a bid to get elected as governor, Ferguson released ads emphasizing his priority of increasing law enforcement staffing if elected. Reichert rightfully slammed Ferguson’s sudden shift towards law and order given his record indicating anything but – including Ferguson’s past support for defunding the police and drug legalization.

Reichert also calls out Ferguson for his inadequate monetary solutions for law enforcement shortages, stressing that officers join the force to make a difference, not for financial incentives. Reichert pointed out the significant reduction in police numbers in Seattle and King County and the fact that proper law enforcement requires support from local officials and increased protections against civil suits. Reichert also criticized the redirection of federal funding intended for law enforcement, linking it to rising cartel activity and human trafficking.

Despite acknowledging the challenge of a Republican winning in Washington, Reichert remains confident in his experience and vision to restore order. A new poll shows Ferguson leading Reichert by nine percentage points, with 42% of voters supporting Ferguson and 33% supporting Reichert – and a lot of wiggle room in between. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun (20th Legislative District) is also skeptical of Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s newfound focus on public safety and affordability as he campaigns for governor. In a new op-ed, Braun points out how Ferguson is mimicking GOP priorities without supporting key cost-saving initiatives that Republicans have championed, such as repealing the cap-and-tax law and ending the capital-gains income tax. Braun also points out how Ferguson’s campaign promises to lower costs are insufficient, given his previous silence on these issues and his role in supporting policies that increased living expenses. He argues that Ferguson’s actions, including his handling of the cap-and-tax law and childcare regulations, contradict his current claims of addressing high costs. The conclusion is clear – perhaps voters should support Republicans’ cost-saving initiatives and consider Republican candidates who have consistently advocated for these issues. Read more at The Chronicle.

The two leading gubernatorial candidates are heavily spending ahead of the primary. Attorney General Bob Ferguson spent $3.1 million from June 1 to July 15, out of his nearly $8.4 million raised, leaving him with $2.6 million in hand. Republican Dave Reichert spent $1.1 million in the same period, with over $4 million raised but only $821K remaining. You can expect the fundraising numbers – and spending – to only skyrocket after the August primary. Read more at the Washington Observer.

Voting for Washington’s 2024 primary election is underway. Voters must return ballots to drop boxes or voting centers by 8 p.m. on August 6. Mailed ballots need to be postmarked by August 6, and the USPS recommends mailing them a week prior. It’s worth noting – all 39 counties have races on their ballots, with 654 offices and 94 local measures up for decision. Voters can check ballot status and drop box locations online!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our podcast, dedicated to delivering insightful conversations on the pressing issues facing Washington state. If you’re concerned about the events unfolding in our state – from rising crime rates to the incessant addition of new tax hikes – and want to have a little fun, this podcast is for you.

Hosted by lifelong Washington state residents, our podcast features interviews with conservative thinkers and leaders who share their perspectives and solutions for the challenges our state faces. And, in the coming weeks, we’ll bring you interviews with candidates vying for offices across our state.

Listen to the inaugural, introductory podcast today – and don’t forget to subscribe!

Please consider making a contribution to ensure Shift continues to provide daily updates on the shenanigans of the liberal establishment. If you’d rather mail a check, you can send it to: Shift WA | PO Box 956 | Cle Elum, WA 98922

Forward this to a friend.  It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

You can also follow SHIFTWA on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].