Howard Dean: "We are going to turn Eastern Washington blue"

By Tom Forbes | 08/28/08

Bryan Bissell has a must-read piece over at PolitickerWA.  He reports that Howard Dean stopped by the Washington delegation at the Democratic National Convention and urged them to pursue a  "39 county strategy," much as the national party has followed a "50 state strategy" and not conceded any area of the country, regardless of how conservative it might seem. Similarly, he said that Washington Democrats needed "to begin to build... read more »

Plastic Bag Wrap Up

By Tom Forbes | 08/28/08

I have some final thoughts about Tuesday night's plastic bag tax public hearing before the Pullman City Council. The proposal to impose a 20 cent per plastic bag tax in Pullman appears to be DOA, as 20,000 petition signatures have been gathered in just 11 days in Seattle demanding that a similar tax recently enacted by the city council there be put to a vote. The Moscow-Pullman Daily News reported yesterday: Councilwoman Ann Heath said she... read more »

"Pullman Council Considering Plastic Bag Fee"

By Tom Forbes | 08/27/08

Some quick observations from last night's plastic bag tax public hearing: - The total number of signatures on the Pullman Consumers for Choice petition was 132.- A total of four council members spoke on the plastic bag tax last night. Bill Paul felt that the debate had been healthy. Ann Heath said the science on plastic bags was sketchy and didn't think government was the answer to every perceived problem. Keith Bloom agreed with the need for... read more »

No Pullman Plastic Bag Tax Petitions

By Tom Forbes | 08/26/08

A hardcopy version of the Pullman Consumers for Choice petition asking the Pullman City Council to reject the proposed 20 cents per plastic bag tax is available to sign at the following retailers *UPDATED 8/22 to add Dissmores IGA* :N22 Nutrition588 SE Bishop Blvd (Edison Center)Suite GPullman, WA 99163(N22 Nutrition owner Brian Edwards is a bright, hard-working young entrepreneur. Pullman needs a 100 more like him.)Radio Shack588 SE Bishop Blvd... read more »

If a Columnist Falls from the Paper, Does Anyone Care?

By Tom Forbes | 08/26/08

Self-aggrandizing Moscow-Pullman Daily News columnist Chuck Pezeshki has created a bit of a firestorm over his latest throwaway paean to eco-terrorists published on August 16. In it, Chuck wrote:    Frank Bennett, that ostensible local communitarian, at my last check was living in Palm Springs. Uh, there's a slight problem there. Frank Bennett does not, nor has he ever, lived in Palm Springs. But why let truth stand in the way of... read more »

Does Tyana Kelley Think Gov. Gregoire is Insensitive?

By Tom Forbes | 08/26/08

Democratic 9th Legislative District State Representative candidate Tyana Kelley wrote on her blog: The Republican candidates were out in force at both parades. Each candidate had their own vehicle: either a gas-guzzling truck, or car with an equally big engine. In Albion we were put in the line to walk right in between all these vehicles. It was a bit intimidating. My opponent, Joe Schmick, had the biggest truck, a Ford F-350. With gas at... read more »

BREAKING: Pullman Chamber of Commerce Opposes Plastic Bag Tax

By Tom Forbes | 08/26/08

A statement issued today by Tammy Lewis, Executive Director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce:The Pullman Chamber of Commerce is opposed to a mandated fee for the use of plastic bags. Promoting the use of reusable bags, recycling or reusing plastic bags is a much better alternative. With food prices already high, instituting a fee like this would not be good for our local economy. Not only would this put an unnecessary burden on area residents... read more »

Here's a Real Shocker

By Tom Forbes | 08/25/08

According to the AP: Attorneys for embattled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick say they won't try to have his travel restrictions lifted in time for him to attend the Democratic National Convention.Spokesman Marcus Reese says Kilpatrick is focused on "serving the citizens of Detroit, not on presidential politics."Kilpatrick can't leave the Detroit area as a condition of his bond on two assault charges. I wonder how many other superdelegates and... read more »

"Cuz Every Voter's Crazy 'Bout a Sharp Dressed Gal"

By Tom Forbes | 08/25/08

While Democrat Tyana Kelley is campaigning for "working class families" in Washington's 9th Legislative District, she is using her campaign funds to shop at ritzy clothing stores like Macy's and New York and Company.According to PDC reports, nearly 10% of the $3701.01 Kelley has spent so far has been on clothing. I'm sure the working families of this district who are dealing with the nation's highest gas tax, courtesy of the Democratic... read more »

In Camelot!

By Tom Forbes | 08/24/08

In the darkest, deepest reaches of enemy territory, the Queen summoned up the moldy ghosts of Camelot to try and revive her faltering campaign. According to the Lewiston Tribune, at a campaign speech in Clarkston yesterday, the Governor said: "I first met Michelle when she visited Washington a few months ago," Gregoire said. "She reminded me of Jacqueline Kennedy. Like Kennedy, I'm predicting she will be loved and respected around the globe. As... read more »