Letter: Make sure to vote for progressive candidates in primary

It was exciting this spring to see the high turnout of progressive-minded voters in our local Democratic caucuses and conventions. It belied the common wisdom that Eastern Washington is doomed to domination by political viewpoints that want to turn the clock back to some sort of imaginary “good old days.” The hope of the future is in looking forward, not backward.

If we want to keep the choice for the future alive for our independent friends and neighbors, it is critical that all those closet Democrats who expressed their desire for forward-looking change during the presidential preference cycle also cast their ballots in the August primary election. The ballots are coming to your mailbox. Please don’t cede the field to the opposition by neglecting to vote for local progressive candidates in the primary.

We have some excellent local candidates: Doug McKinley for the 4th Congressional District seat, Jennifer Goulet for 9th Legislative District position 1, Rebecca Francik in the 16th Legislative District position 1, and Gary Downing in the 16th Legislative District position 2.

Make sure there is are local progressive choices in the general election and cast your primary ballot this month.

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 4:21 AM with the headline "Letter: Make sure to vote for progressive candidates in primary."