ELECTIONS

Cantwell and Larsen endorse Kevin Ranker for State Senate

posted 10/07/2008
Last week Maria Cantwell joined Rick Larsen in endorsing Kevin stating, "In my experience working with Kevin Ranker on a variety of issues, I believe he will be able to make an immediate impact as a State Senator by improving the quality of life of the people he represents."

Ranker is a San Juan County Councilmember. He has also received an endorsement from the State Labor Council. Dave Warren, president of the Northwest Regional Labor Council had this to say, "Kevin Ranker understands the needs of our region. He will work to uphold the dignity of our workers, the character of our communities, and the strength of our local economy."

The broad base of support adds other key individuals and organizations to Ranker's campaign. Recent support includes former Bellingham Mayor Tim Douglas, Anacortes union organizer and political activist Tom Montgomery, Bellingham Firefighters Local IAFF 106 and Anacortes Firefighters, former 40th district senate candidate and former Mount Vernon City Councilmember Paul Gonzales and current Bellingham City Councilmember Jack Weiss.

Ranker has 15 years professional experience in the private and public sectors, developing and advancing legislation, community development strategies, and conservation initiatives. He has directed numerous organizations and has specialized for several years in working to promote healthy, diverse, and strong communities and jobs, while protecting the environment.

Ranker was elected to the San Juan County Board of County Commissioners in 2004. During the past years, Ranker has taken on additional responsibilities that have allowed him to work on issues for the entire region, including Skagit and Whatcom Counties. These commitments have allowed Ranker to represent issues ranging from senior citizen and veteran's needs, to agricultural preservation to health care, education and the environment. He lives on San Juan Island with his wife and daughter.

Spanel, Quall endorse Ranker

Senator Harriet Spanel and Representative Dave Quall endorsed Kevin Ranker for state Senate. Outgoing State Senator, Harriet Spanel expressed her support for the San Juan Island resident. "I have worked with Kevin on a variety of issues. I know that he will use his experience, energy and enthusiasm to serve our area well as our State Senator."

Ranker advances to the General Election

Kevin Ranker officially began his general election campaign Wednesday, August 20, after it became clear his 10 percent lead over his next closest opponent would continue to hold.

At one point the 40th Legislative District had seven democrats running for the seat being vacated by Senator Harriet Spanel. By the August 19 primary, three remained in the race. By 9 p.m. on election night with about a third of the votes counted, Ranker was leading his Democratic opponents by roughly a 10 percent margin, which grew slightly with the second count being released by Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan County auditors.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have had such a talented and qualified field of individuals running as Democrats in the 40th District," said Ranker at a campaign event Wednesday evening. "We must now work together to inspire thousands to make their voices heard in the general election to make sure we keep this seat blue."

"I think our campaign has proven its strength time and again, and I look forward to taking this enthusiasm to the general election." Ranker said, "The way that the primary ended up has proven that if we can work together as democrats to keep our district blue, we will be able to defeat our republican opponent in November."

Ranker has 15 years professional experience in the private and public sectors. He was elected to the San Juan County Board of County Commissioners in 2004. He lives on San Juan Island with his wife and daughter.

Ranker in top two in state Senate Race

posted 08/20/2008
San Juan County Councilmember Kevin Ranker is in the top two in the race for state Senate. He was 2,050 votes ahead of Ken Henderson of Whatcom County Wednesday morning. When the second count was released from San Juan County Wednesday evening his lead jumped to 2,765.

Rep. Jeff Morris endorses Kevin Ranker for Senate

posted 07/21/2008
Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Anacortes) endorsed Kevin Ranker for state Senate last week. "I know that Kevin will hit the ground running for the people of the Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan Counties," said Morris. "Kevin offers the right mix of experience, proven leadership on the issues, and a passion for our families and communities. I am impressed with his strong grass roots campaign, the overwhelming endorsement from local Democrats, and commitment to public service."

Ranker, who is a San Juan County Councilmember, was also endorsed last week by Brian Geer, an Anacortes City Councilman; Progressive Majority, an organization who advances and supports progressive candidates throughout the nation, and the Sierra Club.

"I am so grateful for Jeff's support and the increasing number of organizations representing working families and environmental stewardship who have joined our campaign," said Ranker. "I look forward to working alongside Representative Morris as we invest in the clean energy jobs and technology that will bolster our economy, create new jobs, and protect our environment."

Morris, first elected in 1996 has served as Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee before rising into a leadership role as Speak Pro Tem of the House Democratic Caucus this past legislative session.

Islander running for state Senate

posted 07/04/2008
"Decisions for our community are not being made in our communities they are being made in Olympia. We need someone willing to champion our needs in Olympia. That's why I am running for state senate," said San Juan County Councilmember Kevin Ranker.

Ranker is running for the state senate seat previously held by Harriet Spanel who is not seeking re-election.

"We must redefine basic public education. I am the sole candidate endorsed by the Teachers Association. He believes the economic benefits of a strong school system is overlooked by the legislature."

His top priorities are fully funding and supporting schools, protecting and growing local jobs including small businesses and farms and .environmental stewardship. There are 1.5 million more people expected in this region by 2020. "We have to make sure we are protecting our local communities infrastructure and economic drivers so we can afford to live here. We can't protect our environment so people can't afford to live here but there are lines we can't cross."

He believes his experience working with other leaders from other counties makes him well qualified for the senate. He serves as Chair of the Coastal Counties Caucus – representing all 14 coastal counties in Washington State, Chair of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council, Chair of the Washington Counties Transportation Committee, Vice-chair of the Northwest Regional Council Area Agency on Aging for Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan and Island Counties.

He has served on the the Washington State Oil Spill Advisory Council and was later appointed to serve on the Puget Sound Partnership Ecosystem Coordination Board and as a member of the Washington Shoreline Hearing Board – the judicial body responsible for hearing appeals under the State Shoreline Management Act. He is a member of the Economic Development Council. Kevin has also served as a Commissioner on the Northwest Straits Commission and as a board member of numerous non-profit organizations focused on issues ranging from at-risk youth, education, economic development and conservation. Kevin is an active member of the San Juan Grange and American Legion.

Ranker was the executive director of the Friends of the San Juans before leaving to take a position with another environmental agency before becoming a San Juan County Commissioner. He graduated from Evergreen State College with a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Urban/Coastal Ecology and Community Development.

Kevin Ranker wins sole endorsements from NARAL Pro-choice Washington, and the SEIU 925, 775

PRESS RELEASE: Democratic Party Nominee for the 40th District Senate, Kevin Ranker, has gained endorsements from NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 925 and 775, 40th Legislative District Democratic Party Chair party Tom Pasma, 40th Legislative District Democratic Party Whatcom County Vice-chair Roni Beall, Skagit County Vice-chair Erna Berghuys and Wade Marlow (owner of the Blue Horse Gallery in Bellingham.)

This comes on the heels of out-raising all other candidates in both May and June with over $46,000 in total contributions and receiving other key endorsements from the Washington Education Association, Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt, Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell and many others.

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of NARAL and the SEIU. NARAL provides critical advocacy for and comprehensive information on reproductive rights." I look forward to working with them to protect these fundamental rights for all women in Washington State," said Kevin Ranker.

"I am a strong supporter of workers rights. The endorsements from SEIU 925 and 775 underscore my commitment to their important efforts." He continued.

Dennis Angell, the NW Region Member Political Organizer from SEIU 925 said, "We believe Kevin Ranker will provide the kind of leadership working families need to truly make improvements on issues like early childhood education, K-12 education reform and health care."

In addition to the success with fundraising and endorsements, Kevin Ranker's campaign is working hard at the grassroots level throughout the district doorbelling hundreds of homes a week and hosting several events this month in each of the three counties in the district.

Kevin has 15 years of professional experience in the private and public sectors, developing and advancing legislation, community development strategies, and conservation initiatives. He has directed numerous organizations and has specialized for several years in working to promote healthy, diverse, and strong communities and jobs, while protecting the environment. Kevin was elected to the San Juan County Board of County Commissioners in 2004. During the past years, Kevin has taken on additional responsibilities that have allowed him to work on issues for the entire region, including Skagit and Whatcom Counties. These commitments have allowed Kevin to represent issues ranging from senior citizen and veteran's needs, to agricultural preservation to health care, education and the environment. Kevin lives on San Juan Island with his wife and daughter.

40th Legislative District Democrats nominate Kevin Ranker for State Senate

posted 05/19/2008
Democratic precinct committee officers selected San Juan County Councilmember Kevin Ranker on the first ballot from a field of five candidates as their choice for the candidate for the 40th Legislative District Washington State Senate seat. The nomination, a first step in the new "top two" primary system, represents the first in a string of contests intended to whittle down the field of five Democrats vying for the State Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Harriet Spanel.

A simple majority was required to win the nomination, and multiple ballots were prepared in advance. Only one round of voting was necessary as Kevin Ranker took 54 percent of the vote in the five-way race with 260 votes. The next closest candidates had 94 and 78 votes respectively.

"This is a great position to be in, but there is much more work ahead to sustain this momentum," said Ranker, a San Juan County Council member and longtime community leader in the region. "This victory proves that our campaign is strong and headed in the right directions. I'm grateful for the nomination of fellow Democrats." The next hurdle will be the endorsement elections which are set to be held in different locations between June 7th-June 11th in advance of the final withdrawal date for candidates.

This victory capped a good week for Ranker. He received endorsements from King County Executive Ron Sims, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission Chair Billy Frank Jr., Anacortes Conservation Voters, Whatcom Conservation Voters, Washington Conservation Voters, Ocean Champions Voter Fund, and the San Juan County Democrats.

"This victory does not belong to me," said Ranker, "this victory belongs to all those who have chosen to believe in my ability to run a strong campaign, and represent them well in Olympia. I wish to thank each and every one of them for their support."

Earth Day Founder Denis Hayes endorses
fellow conservation leader Kevin Ranker

posted 04/22/2008
PRESS RELEASE:The state Senate campaign of San Juan County Councilmember Kevin Ranker received a key endorsement this week with the addition of the first Earth Day coordinator Denis Hayes to the growing list of state and local leaders supporting his campaign.

"It is imperative that we send strong, smart leaders to Olympia who are prepared to address global challenges like climate change, regional issues like Puget Sound cleanup, and local issues like protecting farms and open space," said Hayes. "Kevin Ranker is a proven leader who will make an outstanding State Senator."

The timing of Hayes endorsement—on Earth Day—is a happy coincidence in an already eventful first full week of campaigning for Ranker, who also celebrated the birth of his daughter Else last Thursday.

"I have always been drawn to public service in the spirit of what Denis brought to Earth Day and his lifetime dedication to the environment and healthy communities," said Ranker, who for many years has led a variety of community development and conservation groups. "That commitment to protecting what's best about our regions for future generations has been brought into sharp relief by becoming a father. I'm more committed than ever to winning this election."

Ranker is making the environment a key part of his campaign, along with investing in education and protecting small business, family farms and local jobs.

"I've spent my career putting ideals into action for the communities of Northwest Washington," said Ranker. "I look forward to building on my record of success in Olympia."

Ranker to run for state Senate

posted 04/12/2008
San Juan County Councilmember Kevin Ranker will seek the state Senate seat being vacated by Harriet Spanel. "In both my public and personal lives I am reminded every day how the decisions we make today impact future generations," said Ranker. "Senator Spanel provided strong, visionary leadership for a long time and I look forward to building upon her legacy of progressive leadership."

Ranker, who has championed local issues in Olympia while working to provide services to a county challenged by island geography and a limited tax base, believes his experience in government and the private sector managing organizations is excellent training for entering the legislature, particularly during a sluggish economy.

"I've been successful making targeted, needed investments with limited resources while building opportunities to retain and create new jobs," said Ranker, who has served as director of several conservation and community development organizations in addition to his elected office. "When elected, I'll remain focused on the basics: protecting and growing local business and jobs, funding schools, and preserving our environment and small town quality of life."

In addition to local issues such as investing in Puget Sound cleanup and preserving family farms and business, Ranker has singled out education as a critical issue of focus.

"My grandmother, who I lived with as a child, was an elementary school teacher on Orcas Island for many many years," said Ranker. "There is no issue that defines our communities and makes our region of the state such an enviable place to live than having good schools that attract jobs and families."

Ranker has gathered local support in Skagit and Whatcom Counties, including fellow county officials familiar with his work.

"From his significant experience in Olympia to his understanding of the needs of our local communities, Kevin Ranker understands the priorities of our County and the needs of Skagit families," said Sharon Dillon, a Skagit County Commissioner. "He will be a great State Senator."

"Kevin Ranker is a lifelong conservation leader and chair of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council who is committed to schools and our economy," said Whatcom County Council Member Bob Kelly. "He is the experienced, ideal choice for State Senate in Whatcom County and throughout the district."

Ranker plans an aggressive, grass roots campaign that will take him to doorsteps and meeting rooms across the three-county district.

"I'll be spending my spring and summer working hard to meet voters in every community of the district," said Ranker. "Friends and volunteers in Bellingham, Bow, Mt. Vernon, Anacortes, and of course the islands are already calling and ready to lend a hand. I look forward to a great campaign."

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