Even mainstream media sources are admitting that Dave Reichert really turned things around in the second debate. After what outlets described as a “rough start” in the first round, he came back in Spokane more prepared and on-point, laying out a clear vision for bringing both sides together in Washington. He stressed that it’s time for real change, not more of the same failed policies from the Democrats who’ve run the state for 40 years. Reichert’s message of unity and fixing what’s broken stood in stark contrast to Bob Ferguson, who has been part of the problem as attorney general, overseeing policies that have led to rising crime and higher costs of living.

Ferguson, meanwhile, seemed more focused on attacking Reichert than addressing his own failed record. He went after him on hot button issues like abortion and climate change, trying to paint him as extreme. And, of course, Ferguson attempted to – once again – link Reichert to Donald Trump, a desperate distraction from his many failures. In the end, Reichert came off as the guy with a real plan to shake things up, while Ferguson seemed stuck in the same old playbook of fear tactics and defending the status quo. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

Bob Ferguson’s latest attack ad against Dave Reichert is riddled with blatant lies. The ad falsely claims Reichert said “public school teachers are overpaid” and that he would “gut” public school funding—both of which are provably false. In reality, Reichert acknowledged that Washington teachers are some of the highest-paid in the country and emphasized the need to prioritize spending to improve education outcomes, not cut funding.

As KTTH’s Jason Rantz points out, Ferguson’s ad distorts Reichert’s comments to make it seem like he’s anti-teacher, while ignoring the fact that every teacher featured in the ad earns well above the state median salary. Ferguson also claims Reichert would gut public school funding, despite Reichert advocating for maintaining strong education funding and prioritizing special education. This ad is just another example of Ferguson trying to distract voters from his own failures with dishonest attacks. Read more at KTTH.

Washington State Ferries’ electric ferry project is a financial disaster in the making, with taxpayers set to foot a whopping $4.4 billion bill for a plan that’s riddled with delays and skyrocketing costs. Despite requesting over $1.8 billion for the 2025-2027 biennium, the agency admits it’s still $230 million short just to keep operations running, let alone fund its electrification fantasy. Jay Inslee’s dream of electrifying the fleet alone is an 80% chunk of their $5.5 billion unfunded “needs,” and each new electric ferry is estimated at a staggering $400 million per vessel—far more than traditional ferries.

Worse yet, terminal electrification costs keep ballooning, with no clear end in sight. And, to make matters even worse, the agency is stuck waiting on terminal upgrades before they can even use these overpriced ferries. All of this comes at a time when basic preservation needs, like maintaining existing ferries, are underfunded by nearly $900 million. The state’s reliance on cap-and-tax revenue to justify this spending spree is equally troubling, as it forces taxpayers to shoulder the cost of unproven technology while neglecting more immediate transportation needs. Read more at Center Square.

Washington’s highway system is crumbling, with the Department of Transportation (WSDOT) warning it’s in the “early stages of failure” due to neglected maintenance and outdated infrastructure. Despite record state budgets, WSDOT officials say the issue isn’t a lack of funds, but poor prioritization. And who or who has been in charge of Washington State for over a decade? Why, Jay Inslee.

Maintenance is underfunded, with 17 out of 30 critical activities receiving a “C” grade or worse. Much of WSDOT’s equipment is outdated, with 29% beyond its useful life and 35% in poor condition. Facilities are equally neglected, with 40% of buildings over 50 years old and becoming functionally obsolete. Without immediate action, 94% of these structures will hit 50 years old in the next two decades, triggering costly modernization mandates. WSDOT estimates it needs an additional $1.5 billion annually just to bring the system into a “State of Good Repair,” but funding for preservation has actually declined since 2001, when adjusted for inflation. Way to go, Inslee and Democrats. Read more at Center Square. 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:

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

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].