Pretty early yet, none of the potential candidates have put out much in the way of platforms or running issues. But I agree with Salmo and JacobF--sporties just don't have much clout in state-wide elections. Either there are not enough of us to create enough political influence or any economic influence is too diffuse. John Carlsons run using nets as one of his platforms showed this all to clearly. Too bad. I hasten to say that this is not true for local issues. I think sporties are capable of influencing Fish and Wildlife Commissioners, WDFW policies, North of Falcon proceedings, etc.

My early choice is Christine Gregoire, the present attorney general, a job she's held for the last 10 years. Prior to AG, she ran the Washington State Department of Ecology from 1988 to 1992 and did a fine job. Ecology also walks the fine line between environmental stewardship and the suffocation of business interests. The fact that she held this appointment for 4 years tells me she has an awareness of the issues, problems, and an ability to grasp the technical. I don't know what her specific stances on fish are, but I've always believed that environmental policies are just as important as harvest policies (probably more so) when it comes to the health of our fisheries.