By Lindsay Peyton

The 34th District Democrats have endorsed Joe McDermott’s
bid to represent the 7th District of Washington in the U.S. Congress.

The group made the decision during its regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 10. There were five candidates present for the occasion – all vying to take Jim McDermott’s seat after he retires this year.

State senator Pramila Jayapal said she would address income inequality and work to expand social security and medical care.

“I have spent the last 25 years of my life fighting for others to find their American dream,” she said. “All of the work I’ve done has been about expanding the middle class and having a vibrant democracy for all of us. I’m going to fight for you and be a strong progressive voice.”

Arun Jhaveri, who served as the first mayor of Burien, said his top priority would be addressing environmental concerns.

“My immediate attention would be climate change,” he said.

He also vowed to focus on building STEM education, stopping homelessness and creating affordable housing.

Seattle state Rep. Brady Walkinshaw said he would focus on the changing needs of a growing community, specifically transportation issues.

“If things are going to get better in this country, then it will get better because of regions like ours stepping up and showing the way,” he said.

Jeff Stilwell, an art gallery director, said that bringing unions to the forefront would be his top priority – as well as closing the gender wage gap, making college more affordable and promoting sustainability.

“I am that new voice that brings big ideas to get government working again,” he said. “We can build a greater tomorrow. With your help, we will.”

Joe McDermott, who is not related to the retiring Congressman, currently serves as chair of the King County Council and is a third-generation resident of West Seattle and former state representative and state senator, former chair of the 34th District Democrats.

During the meeting, he made a pledge to “repeal Citizens United,” promising to reject improper funding for his campaign.

“It’s our campaign finance system,” he said. “It’s broken.”

McDermott also took strong stance on reducing gun violence by supporting background checks and banning military-style assault weapons.

A fundraiser for McDermott is slated for 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2 at the West Seattle home of Maryann Tagney and David Jones. The cost to attend ranges from $125 to $2700. To R.S.V.P., call 206-328-2969.

Marcee Stone-Vekich, chair of the group, encouraged members to focus on local elections as well as the presidential bid. “This is a big year for us,” she said.

For information about upcoming 34th District Democrats events, visit www.34dems.org.