I’m pleased to be up 54.5% to 45.3% (a little over 9 points) as of Wednesday evening. I want to thank the voters of the 48th district for their support. I’ll continue to work hard and make balanced decisions, and I’ll continue working hard on the campaign.

I’d value your support financially as well – we expect this race to be expensive. I believe I’ll need to raise $200,000 to win. You can contribute online here.

If you’re on facebook you can “like” my campaign page – this will spread the word to your friends and you’ll be able to see our events. Click below to make this happen!

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Re-Elect Ross Hunter for State Representative 48th District

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I just posted a brief comment on Governor Gregoire’s announcement about upcoming budget cuts on my policy blog at www.rosshunter.info.

This Sunday, August 1st, we will have a picnic at my house for people interested in my 2010 campaign. We’re serving organic burgers, some veggie options, local beer (Mac and Jacks) and normal picnic fare in the NW. The party is from 4-7 pm.

8208 Overlake Drive W
Medina, WA

Parking is available at the elementary school around the corner. You can get more detailed info from Angela via email at angela@rosshunter.com. It would also help us if you let her know you’re coming so we can have enough food and beverages.

A small contribution at the door would be great – as a campaign activity we’d love to at least break even on this affair. I believe my recent opponent and now King County Executive Dow Constantine will be there, and will many other fun and interesting people. We’d love to see you. Much yard work has been done to make the place presentable.

I’ll be at the New Main Tully’s in Bellevue today from 4-5:30 for anyone interested in conversation about education, budgets, transportation policy, etc. 10812 Main St. Bellevue, WA. Stop by the Bellevue Arts Museum Arts fair beforehand and then wind down with a cool beverage. I don’t think I’ll be drinking a warm one after a day of doorbelling in 80+ degree warmth.

I’m hosting a series of these for people who haven’t been able to make one of our regular town hall meetings over the years, or who have a new issue to talk about. The schedule is available under the calendar tab on the website.

We’ll kick off the 2010 campaign with a BBQ at my house in Medina on Sunday August 1st from 4-7pm. We’re serving organic hamburgers, local produce and local beer (Mac and Jack’s, made proudly in the 48th.)

All campaign kickoffs are fundraisers, and this one is no exception, but please don’t let this get in the way of your enjoyment.

The amazing Marilyn Pedersen and Elizabeth Hummel will be providing live music and there will be sporadic (but brief) political speeches.

Please RSVP to Angela at info@rosshunter.com so we know how many people are coming and can have enough beer and food. You’ll also want the parking directions that we’re keeping secret until you RSVP.

8208 Overlake Drive West
Medina, WA

TACOMA, Wash., June 25 /PRNewswire/ — Law Enforcement Administrators of Washington (LAW) announced their campaign endorsements for the November 2010 elections. LAW issued endorsements to candidates who have shown extraordinary support for law enforcement in Congress, the State Judicial Branch, and the State Legislature.

Congressional endorsements were issued to Patty Murray (D-WA), Jay Inslee (D-Bainbridge), Doc Hastings (R-Pasco), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Deer Park), Norm Dicks (D-Bremerton), Dave Reichert (R-Auburn), and Adam Smith (D-Tacoma).  LAW also issued an endorsement to Charles Wiggins, a candidate running for a seat on the Washington Supreme Court.

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This is one of the toughest economic times since the great depression. The recession caused high unemployment and serious revenue shortfalls. While families across Washington State tightened their belts, I worked to ensure more accountability in our school budgets and at our state’s capitol. However, I made sure we didn’t slide backwards in our continued work to reform and bring accountability to our public schools. I worked to make sure 520 keeps on track because we badly need the traffic congestion relief and the good paying construction jobs that come from the project. I also believe we need to remember that a lot of us live here because it’s a beautiful natural setting. It’s our duty to preserve and protect this area for future generations. Here’s what I focused on in the last session in Olympia:

Ensuring A Balanced Budget

• Passed a budget that collects $1 billion less from Washington taxpayers than 2007-09 budget
• Cut $3.6 billion in spending over the last two years
• Refused pay for days not spent working in Olympia during the special session
• Ensured funding for early education, all day kindergarten and levy equalization for our state’s property poor districts

Championing Our Schools

• Re-wrote state law to make school budgets transparent and more focused on the classroom
• Adopted ‘Race To The Top’ changes that improve teacher and principal evaluation, and let the state intervene in failing schools

Getting 520 Built On-Time And On-Budget

• Funded construction of the eastside and floating parts of 520, starting construction within 12 months.
• Committed to ensuring bridge construction is on-time and on-budget.

Protecting Our Quality Of Life

• Toxics Coalition legislator of the year in 2007 for banning toxic flame retardants
• Set new standards to reduce toxins in children’s toys and baby bottles