About us

What We Stand For

As Democrats we respect the rights guaranteed by our Constitution that support:

We are dedicated to achieving peace, prosperity, opportunity and a government based on responsible optimism.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is the number one industry in Washington.  We recognize the role of farmers as "stewards of the land," and we support programs to insure the availability of high-quality food, strengthen rural communities, preserve family farms and maintain the viability of the land.

EDUCATION

"It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provisions for the education of all children."  The Washington State Constitution - 1889We believe in full funding for public schools that bring together people of diverse experience, ability and background for the purpose of learning.

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Our goal is to create a sustainable society in which future generations are assured of abundant renewable energy, pure water, clean air and fertile soil to meet the needs of a strong economy.  We accept responsibility for our natural world and recognize the need to develop, to implement policies and to encourage lifestyles consistent with long-term sustainability and viability.  We must respect the web of life of which we are a part and preserve it for future generations.

FOREIGN POLICY

The U.S. must work cooperatively with other countries to promote a sustainable, non-violent world in which the human rights of all peoples are respected.  Critical issues including international terrorism, environmental degradation and nuclear proliferation can only be resolved in cooperation with the world community.  While national self-interest is a legitimate element of foreign policy, it must be tempered by respect for other cultures, economies and national aspiration.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL REFORM

Our government derives its legitimacy solely from the democratic will of the people and must reflect our values as citizens.  Our government must be fiscally sound; operate ethically; refrain from establishing or supporting religion; and be open, transparent and accountable to the will of the people.  Our faith in our government and our political system can only be restored through constructive reform, and only substantial election reform can restore faith in the election system.

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare is a basic right, and our government must assure accessible, affordable health care for all.

HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS

Democrats recognize that the inherent dignity, equality and unalienable rights of all humanity form the foundation of freedom and justice and the strength of our democracy rests on the rights and responsibilities set forth in the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the subsequent Amendments to the Constitution.  Food, shelter, access to quality healthcare, education and employment opportunity are basic human rights, and these rights must be ensured.

HUMAN SERVICES

A caring community provides a safety net of social services to meet all people's basic needs, regardless of their national or racial origin, so they can attain their full potential, especially those on the margins of society: children, the elderly and people who are impoverished, homeless, mentally ill, disabled or living with addictions.

IMMIGRATION

We are a nation of indigenous people and immigrants, with each contributing into our dynamic and diverse culture.  We believe in the right of all people, regardless of country of origin, to be treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.

LABOR AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE

Universal economic justice is the foundation upon which healthy families and communities rest.  Economic justice for working people is essential to the realization of a democratic society, a free and prosperous nation and a strong economy. 

A strong economy is based upon jobs that provide safe working conditions, a fair and living wage, and health and retirement benefits.  The benefits are obtained by workers rights to organize unions for collective bargaining.

Economic justice is further advanced by an education system that values and provides advanced skill training and apprenticeship, while addressing justice for the economically disadvantaged.

MILITARY

The core task of the U.S. Military is to "provide for the common defense."  Washington citizens have always answered their country's call to duty, and we are proud of our military contributions to the nation.  We believe that our military men and women - active duty, reserve and National Guard - should always have leadership worthy of them.  We pledge support to our troops and honor to our veterans who act in the service of our country.  We will continue to press for the money and resources necessary to ensure our veterans receive all that this nation has promised them - and owes to them.

TRANSPORTATION

We believe an efficient, flexible and far-sighted transportation system is vital to healthy communities, a healthy economy and a healthy environment.  The public road system belongs to the people; thus citizens should be enabled and assisted to move freely without any group of users being forced to shoulder an undue portion of the cost