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| Sam Reed, Republican |
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| Candidate: Secretary of State |
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| Sam Reed |
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| Age: 59 |
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| Residence: Olympia |
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| Occupation: |
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Thurston County auditor |
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| Education: |
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B.A., M.A. in political science, Washington State University |
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| Political history: |
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Assistant secretary of state, 1969-75, Thurston County auditor, 1978-present |
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| Endorsements: |
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Washington Association of Realtors, Affordable Housing Council, Washington Public Employees Association |
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| Campaign Web site: http://www.SamReed2000.org |
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| Campaign theme: A leader with experience. |
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| 1. |
Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has declared that blanket-primary elections like Washington's violate political parties' constitutional rights, what form of new primary-election system would you propose adopting? |
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The blanket primary is very popular in Washington, and a variation of that process which still meets the people's desire for independence yet conforms to the Supreme Court's ruling will be one of my top priorities as secretary of state. |
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| 2. |
Washington voters have been voting by mail in increasing numbers in recent elections. What do you think of this trend? What changes would you make? |
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I, along with Ralph Munro, have been a pioneer in the vote-by-mail process. I think you have better-informed voters when they are given the opportunity to vote from their kitchen tables. Still, I support the right of people to vote in their local polling sites. |
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| 3. |
What would you do to increase voter registration and voter participation? |
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Focus on developing a better-informed electorate. As county auditor, I've pioneered Internet, cable-television and audio voters guides. I created the first primary- and general-elections local voters pamphlets in the nation. My office has won 10 national awards for such innovation. I'll do the same for the state. |
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