ENDORSEMENT PROCESS

One of our most important Mainstream activities is the endorsement of candidates, and occasionally, ballot issues. We endorse only Republican candidates, or if it is a non-partisan position, those who reflect Republican ideals. We have the advantage of making pre-primary endorsements, something the state party cannot do. We can raise money to support some candidates, and do that within our financial ability. Mainstream has both a state and federal PAC, and works closely with the state Public Disclosure Commission.

We do not attempt to endorse all Republican candidates for office. In fact, some candidates might not find our endorsement useful, and one of our requirements is that a candidate ask for our consideration. When we make an endorsement, it is up to the candidate on how to use it in their campaigns.

What do we consider before taking a potential endorsement to our state Board of Directors for decision? We have a goal and process to find out as much as we can about the candidate and to know the district or area in which they are running. We are interested in the ability of a candidate to not only run a good campaign but to really reflect the nature of the constituency, increasing the potential for being returned to office for many years.

We are moderate Republicans. We avoid both the far right and the far left. "The winners are in the middle" has been a long-time slogan, and it turns out to be correct. All of our state-wide Republican office holders are active Mainstreamers, in a state dominated by Democrats. This said, we have no "litmus tests" for endorsement. For instance, we have endorsed both pro-choice and pro-life candidates, as long as they are good people dedicated to making government work effectively and for all people, and they match the interests of their jurisdictions.

We try to use local citizens and office holders as part of our candidate screening process, and we seek the advice of our Mainstream Chapters across the state. There is a concerted effort to work with the House and Senate Republican caucuses and stay coordinated, particularly during candidate recruitment and for the general election.

Candidates that advance through the screening process are recommended to the Mainstream Board whose members are elected at our annual conference. The Board may decide to invite certain candidates to make presentations at our monthly meetings, usually held in Tacoma. A 2/3 favorable vote is required to endorse candidates or ballot issues.