Legislative Priorities

* Strong economy- decent jobs

* Fiscal responsibility

* Tax fairness

* Quality education

* Affordable health care

* Affordable housing

* Energy independence

* Climate action- green jobs

* Election reform

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Video: David Carrier's television ad

Video: Voter's Guide Statement

Video: League of Women Voters candidate forum

Video: Speech at the Clark County Democratic Convention

Why I wish to represent the 17th Legislative District

I decided to run for State Senate because I’m very concerned about the economy and our community’s future. Working people cannot afford the basics like food, energy, housing, and health care. Americans have lost more than $2 trillion (25%) of their retirement savings in the stock market crash. Over a million families have lost their homes, and another million are facing foreclosure and bankruptcy in the coming year. I’m frustrated that not enough has been done about it.

For the past 8 years we’ve been told that the economy is fine, that free markets will take care of themselves, that we can’t afford to help working people. But we did manage to find $1 trillion for tax cuts to the wealthy and another $4 trillion to rescue Wall Street investors. The fact is, the bailout plan won’t work because it does not help working families in danger of losing their jobs and their homes. Bailing out Wall Street won't work unless we first bail out Main Street.

The problem is now global, but the solution is local. As an economist, I know that the best way out of this mess and to ensure economic growth and prosperity in the future is to invest in people and infrastructure right here in our community. Quality education, job training, affordable housing and health care, and energy independence are the keys to economic growth. What’s good for people is good for the economy.

My opponent has a long history of opposing this legislation. I scheduled three appointments to talk with him about these issues. He didn’t show up for two of them, after I had driven all the way to Olympia to meet with him. On the third visit, he said the solution was more deregulation. That’s not a solution- that’s how we got into this mess in the first place.

Clearly, we need a government that is more responsive to voters. We deserve to be better represented. That means less partisan ideology, more common sense, and reducing the influence of special interests. My opponent accepted more campaign contributions from corporate lobbyists and PACs than any other Senator- corporations like Wal-Mart, Philip Morris, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco; and PACs like Washington State Pawnbrokers Association and Money Tree payday lenders.

I was the only candidate for State Senate who did not accept contributions from lobbyists and PACs. My only interest is to represent the voters of this District.

I invite you to review my opponent's legislative record at the Washington State Legislature web site, VoteSmart.org, WashingtonVotes.org, and my opponent's web site.

Then please read about my priorities, post your comments on my blog, and contribute to my campaign today.

The choice is clear. I'm a pragmatic leader who will value your input, listen to your views, and work on the issues that you care about. Your vote matters. Choose competence, commitment, and a spirit of public service. Let's work together to solve the problems that confront us all.

Thanks for your support!

David Carrier