McKenna Endeavors to Change the Direction of Washington State

By Lois Krafsky-Perry, News Editor

June 24, 2004

Sequim Washington---Candidate for Attorney General, Rob McKenna’s college days in the 1980‘s, inspired him towards politics.

Since the early years of Ronald Regan’s United States Presidency, Rob McKenna (R) of Mercer Island, has been active in community and state issues. He was elected student body president, in the early 80’s, with Phi Beta Kappa, at the University of Washington, and stated he was their first conservative president for over 20 years.

McKenna spoke to approximately 40 Clallam County citizens June 24, in Sequim, hosted by members of the Republican Party.

“I admire Jim Buck a lot and look forward to serving in Olympia and helping Jim and his colleagues change the direction of this state,” said the 42-year-old attorney.

Formerly with Perkins and Coie, Attorney at law; Business and regulatory law 1988-1995, McKenna was later admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Washington and Federal courts. He is married to Marilyn, his wife of 17 years, and the couple have four children.

“I will be the peoples’ lawyer first and not the other way around,” affirmed McKenna. He discussed the expensive lawsuit filed by Bob Williams and the Evergreen Freedom Foundation against the current Attorney General and said, “the Attorney General should have followed the law.”

Reducing the amount of lawsuits against the state is paramount with the candidate. He is concerned about the Department of Social Health Services (DSHS), who wielded 40% of the cases against the state. He would like to start with DSHS and make some changes.

“We need tort reform,” said McKenna. The candidate, who says he wants to protect the taxpayer, also wants to keep state agencies within their boundaries. He discussed the Ergonomics situation and Labor & Industries (L & I) and said, “the Attorney General should have kept the agency in line.”

McKenna vowed to be an advocate for law enforcement in the state. “The Attorney General should be the top voice for law enforcement,” he declared.

He believes that the office holder should be an advocate for appropriate criminal law. He listed drug trafficking, internet abuses, and domestic violence as major problems. He endeavors to develop technological solutions for the Washington State’s many problems.

“You first, a top advocate for law enforcement, protecting tax- payers, a legislator for tort reform, and stay in rules,” was a list given by McKenna as he reminded citizens that he will work for them as Attorney General.

For more information on Rob McKenna go to www.robmckenna.org