The Merten Ranch in Toledo was the epicenter of conservative politics in Washington state Saturday night, as candidates for federal, statewide and local races who advanced out of the August primary gathered to shift their attention to November. Roughly 10 weeks before the general election, state Rep. and Washington GOP Chair Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, told the audience that they would play a critical role in securing Republican success.
“I think word of mouth is the best way to change minds in business, in faith and politics,” Walsh told the approximately 200 attendees. “Nothing beats a person-to-person connection.” In his remarks, Walsh challenged attendees to tell their neighbors, families and coworkers that the Republican Party “wants to fix what’s broken in this beautiful state.
” The challenge by Walsh comes ahead of a general election that features a slate of high-profile races on the ballot. This November, voters across Washington will elect a new governor for the first time in 12 years and will have an opportunity to weigh in on the race for U.S.
Senate, the presidency, four conservative-backed initiatives and a series of district and county races, among other ballot items. “We have the tools and we have the people, but we need all of you to talk to the great expansive people, the general public, and let them know that this year change is coming,” Walsh said. Podcaster Brandi Kruse, who emceed the event, told the audience that talking to friends and neigh.