Home About Chat Users Issues Party Candidates Polling Firms Media News Polls Calendar Key Races United States President Senate House Governors International

New User Account
"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource." 
Email: Password:

  Suzan DelBene joins 1st Congressional District race
NEWS DETAILS
Parent(s) Race 
ContributorIndyGeorgia 
Last EditedIndyGeorgia  Jan 12, 2012 08:01pm
Logged 0
CategoryAnnouncement
AuthorJim Brunner
MediaNewspaper - Seattle Times
News DateFriday, January 13, 2012 02:00:00 AM UTC0:0
DescriptionWashington State Department of Revenue Director Suzan DelBene is resigning to join the already crowded race for the open seat in Washington's 1st Congressional District.

DelBene, a Democrat, is a wealthy former Microsoft executive who lost a 2010 challenge to Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert in the 8th District. She dropped nearly $2.3 million of her own money on that race.

In a phone interview Thursday morning, DelBene said she'll bring a "unique skill-set" to the contest, citing her experience working with businesses, nonprofits and most recently as the state's chief tax collector.

"I am running because I believe strongly that we need to get folks back to work and address the needs that the folks in the 1st Congressional District have in terms of employment and economic opportunity," DelBene said in an interview.

DelBene obviously has the ability to put millions into her own campaign. "I will do my part and I think in the end I'm confident we're going to have enough money," she said.

While she's a millionaire now, DelBene said she understands economic hardship, recalling family struggles after her father lost his job. She said she was able to succeed due to work-study and college loans.

"We're eroding those opportunities right now and we need to put them back together so people have those options," she said.

DelBene, 49, lives in Medina. She was a corporate vice-president at Microsoft and also helped found high-tech startups including Drugstore.com. She also has advised nonprofits working in microfinance.
Share
ArticleRead Full Article

NEWS
Date Category Headline Article Contributor

DISCUSSION