After the August primaries, Democrats in Washington have good reason to be optimistic with excellent results in congressional as well as state house and senate races. We’re so close to being able to make a difference with education, the climate and civil rights in our state. Chip in to make a difference now with our actionable info below.

Now is not the time to be complacent. The key to success in the November general elections will be to make sure Democrats get out to vote in the midterms. That means helping organizations like Washington Bus and Fuse to register voters and get out the vote, and helping the key campaigns we help you identify, the ones which are right on the cusp of flipping the seats we need in Olympia.

Mona Das has experienced the power of the resistance first hand. An Indian-American mortgage professional with an MBA in sustainable business, she was, like so many other new candidates, driven to join the fight after the last election. Her campaign has knocked on over 65,000 doors so far, many in her suburban region’s growing communities of color. “When I knock on someone’s door who’s Indian, it makes a huge difference: they are activated, and they are talking to their friends and helping with registrations.”  As the daughter of immigrants, she will continue to fight for the rights of immigrants in our state.

Das is a mortgage professional and is keyed into the critical issues for her potential constituents: traffic and the scarcity of affordable housing. Her region is one that has seen some of the most dramatic growth in the past decade, as people who feel they can't afford to live in Seattle or Tacoma move to the outer suburbs. At rush hour, roads are jammed and the park and rides, which would keep people from commuting by car, says Das, “are full by 6:15 am.”

Short term, she proposes better Metro connections to existing transit centers but acknowledges that infrastructure is needed for real change. “The biggest thing,” in terms of tackling traffic, say Das, “is making sure that the transportation dollars—gas tax dollars—stay in the district.”

In addition to her first-hand knowledge of the district, Das’ election is also critically strategic: her district also makes up part of the 8th congressional district, where Dr. Kim Schrier is challenging Dino Rossi for the seat opened up by Dave Reichert’s retirement. The enthusiasm of Das’ volunteers will help get out the key votes in the district, which voted 54% for Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Her get out the vote mobilization efforts will be critical for Schrier. “In order to flip the 8th, you need to flip the 47th,” says Das. 

We need a strong turnout at every level to make a difference: in the county, in the state and in the federal government. Sometimes thinking closer to home is the key to the bigger picture.

So join Friends of Washington by giving some support to Mona Das today. She is well-positioned to steal a much needed Republican seat.

Sincerely,
Your friends at Friends of Washington
www.friendsofwashington.org