The Washington gubernatorial debate took place last night – and former U.S. Congressman and King County Sheriff Dave Reichert showcased his experience in law enforcement, presenting himself as the stronger candidate on public safety. He highlighted Bob Ferguson’s failure to address rising crime rates over the past decade and pointed out that Ferguson’s recent promise to hire more officers comes too late. Reichert presented himself as the only candidate truly committed to accountability and consequences for criminals, contrasting this with Ferguson’s support for policies that have exacerbated crime.

Reichert also opposed Washington’s current climate policy, particularly the cap-and-tax scheme, arguing that it has driven up energy prices without delivering on its promises. He supports repealing the tax, advocating for a more cost-effective, pragmatic approach. Throughout the debate, Reichert’s focus on local issues and his decades of law enforcement experience stood in stark contrast to Ferguson pathetic attempts to deflect and link him to national figures (i.e. Donald Trump) and policies ad-nauseum. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

Supporters of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) argue that repealing the CO2 tax through Initiative 2117 would jeopardize funding for roads and bridges, but – as the Washington Policy Center points out – this claim is misleading. Despite statements from legislators like Sen. Mark Liias, who warned about the potential impact on projects like the SR 18 expansion, the law specifically prohibits using CO2 tax revenue for such purposes. The CCA’s primary goal is to reduce driving and emissions, not fund infrastructure. In fact, the only exception to the prohibition is for electric ferries, while road and bridge projects are funded through Washington’s gas tax, which remains unaffected by the CCA or I-2117.

Even pro-CCA groups like the Clean & Prosperous Institute acknowledge that none of the CCA’s funds are allocated to road or bridge projects. The Seattle Times confirmed in a fact-check that passing I-2117 won’t directly affect infrastructure funding, as the state’s gas tax is responsible for those projects. Claims that repealing the CO2 tax would lead to funding cuts for existing road projects are speculative at best. Any decision to redirect funds from roads and bridges would be a legislative choice, unrelated to the outcome of I-2117. Read more at the Washington Policy Center.

In a recent op-ed, Republican State Sen. John Braun (Centralia) argues for the repeal of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA or cap-and-trade) through Initiative 2117, described the law for what it is: a “cap-and-tax” scheme that has disproportionately hurt working-class and lower-income residents. He points out how Jay Inslee mislead the public when he claimed the law would add only pennies to gas prices. Instead, Braun points out that Washington’s fuel prices surged, even surpassing California’s, after the cap-and-tax took effect.

Braun also criticizes the lack of transparency, particularly AG Bob Ferguson’s decision to prevent Puget Sound Energy from informing customers about how the cap-and-tax is driving up natural gas costs. Rightly, he points out how this level of secrecy is disqualifying for Ferguson’s gubernatorial ambitions. Moreover, Braun highlights that the cap-and-tax revenue doesn’t fund roads and bridges like traditional gas taxes do, adding that Democrats falsely linked the law’s funds to transportation projects to avoid public backlash.

Braun calls out Democrats for enacting a regressive policy that hits the poor hardest while benefiting wealthy corporations and special interest groups. Ultimately, voters must overturn the cap-and-tax scheme through I-2117 as it unfairly burdens the state’s most vulnerable residents while doing little to improve the environment. Read more at The Chronicle.

On this day, we honor the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost in the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001. We remember the bravery of first responders who ran toward danger, embodying the American spirit of selflessness and courage. The events of that day unified us as a nation, reminding us of the strength we find in our shared values of freedom and resilience. We must never forget the sacrifices made and the continued need to stand firm against those who seek to harm our way of life. Let today serve as a solemn reminder to cherish our liberty and defend it always.

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