The people of Washington have gained a nationwide reputation for inventive, or slightly eccentric, politics.  From the first election in 1854 to the infamous Rossi/Gregoire race for governor, Washington has suffered from racism, cheating, and an extreme switch from Republican to Democratic majority. 

The first major event in Washington politics dates back to 1853, when a smart-thinking Kentucky congressman tried to avoid confusion.  Washington had just gained its independence from Oregon Territory.  The new territory’s settlers petitioned Congress to name the territory "Columbia" after the river that separates it from Oregon.  Before the bill was passed, Congressman Richard H. Stanton convinced his colleagues to call the territory “Washington” to avoid confusion with the District of Columbia.  For nearly 150 years now, we have been the “other Washington.” 

Washington became a state in 1889.  Under the Enabling Act, it was allowed to form its own constitution and state government.  At that time, the majority of politicians were Republican.  The political division of Senate and House from 1889 was:

Senate: Democrat . . . . . . . 1
Republican . . . . . . 34
House: Democrat . . . . . . . 7
Republican . . . . . . 62
Independent . . . . . 1
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Until 1933, Washington remained a dominantly Republican state.  During the Depression, Roosevelt’s New Deal caused a split between the Democrats and Republicans.  The New Deal was formed to provide direct relief, economic recovery, and financial reform.  While people are still debating if the New Deal was successful in providing the “three Rs”, it provided Washington Democrats the edge needed to get on the state legislature. 

The leading organizations supporting the New Deal were the Washington Commonwealth Federation (WCF) and the Communist Party of Washington State (CP).  The WCF focused on political and economic reform; the CP strived to fulfill Lenin’s pledge[i] by fighting racial injustice.  With the help of the WCF, several CP members were elected to the Seattle City Council and Washington State Legislature.  Again working with the WCF, the CP was able to significantly improve the lives of minorities.

For a decade or so, communists were elected to leadership positions in a handful of left-wing organizations.  Then World War II ended and a national “Red Scare” occurred.  Washington had highly depended on the CP over the past few years.  Washingtonians feared the power of the Communists over them and made some radical changes that deprived communists of their First Amendment rights.  During the 1946 campaign, Republicans made use of the Red Scare, saying Democrats had “sold their soul to the Communist Party.”  In 1947, Republicans gained control in the House and Senate.  On March 8, 1947, Washington State Legislature passed the Un-American Activities bill. 

By 1949, Democrats had regained control of the legislature, though less extreme.  A new generation and the Vietnam War hardened the boundaries between liberals and conservatives, as well as between urban and rural.  Mass beat land, and King County continued to lead liberals to the legislature.  The next thirty years were spent battling over racism, women’s rights, campaign reform, and environmental protection. 

Although the Democrats still hold the lead in Washington politics (and have since 1980), recent events have shown their lead is not unshakeable.  The 2004 race for governor between Dino Rossi (Republican) and Christine Gregoire (Democrat) was the closest in Washington State history and in any governors’ race in the United States.  After two recounts and court battle, Rossi lost by 129 votes to current Governor Gregoire. 

The Rossi/Gregoire race pointed out several deficiencies with the Washington State voting system, and led to heated debate between the different parties.  In the governor’s race, Rossi narrowly led the initial count and a machine recount, but lost in the hand recount requested by the Democrat party.  The Republicans questioned and sued over the number of votes from deceased people and convicted felons included in the election – particularly from King County, known to be strongly democratic.  Superior Court Judge John Bridges rejected the claims saying that while they were significant there was no evidence of fraud or manipulation.  Republicans called Democrats cheaters; Democrats insisted they weren’t. 

Rossi is expected to run for Governor in 2008.  Analysts in both parties agree that a rematch wouldn’t just be a rerun of ‘04.  Former thinking that “pandering to rural voters is a waste of time”[ii] has been abolished.  Democrats realize the weight of King County may not be enough to hold the election and have started campaigning across Lake Washington, hoping to gain more power.  If Rossi runs and wins, he will end the 24-year-hold Democrats have on the governor’s seat.

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[i] “Not even the slightest degree of oppression, or the slightest injustice in respect of a national minority- such are the principles of working class democracy.” 

[ii] From “Better Dead Than Red,” by Dan Savage. It was printed by the Portland Mercury and The Stranger in 2004.