NEWS: Reichert, Newhouse, Beutler and other leading Republican candidates headline Mainstream GOP conference in Yakima, May 31 to June 2

For immediate release:                                             Contact:

May 21, 2024                                                            Deanna Martinez – (509) 760-3608

Reichert, Newhouse, Beutler and other leading Republican candidates headline Mainstream GOP conference in Yakima, May 31 to June 2

Agenda for Cascade Conference highlights natural gas issue, Snake River dams, fentanyl, redistricting and opportunities for bipartisanship

OLYMPIA – Leading Republican candidates for the 2024 election cycle are among featured speakers at the annual Cascade Conference sponsored by the Mainstream Republicans of Washington, coming up May 31 to June 2 in Yakima.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert delivers the keynote address at the Mainstream Republicans’ banquet Saturday, June 1 at the Yakima Convention Center. Featured speakers include Dan Newhouse, congressman from Washington’s 4th Congressional District; Jamie Herrera Beutler, candidate for state public lands commissioner; and Raul Garcia, candidate for U.S. Senate. A Friday-evening forum will feature congressional candidates.

The three-day conference at the Yakima Convention Center also highlights emerging issues in Washington politics. Panels will focus on the politically-driven campaign to destroy the Snake River dams, the partisan legislation passed by this year’s Legislature to end commercial and residential natural gas service in the central Puget Sound area, potential responses to Washington’s fast-rising fentanyl crisis, and a court-ordered redistricting scheme centered on the Yakima Valley that appears to violate principles of political neutrality. In addition, a “Building Bridges” panel will discuss prospects for bipartisan cooperation in Washington’s current political climate.

“This year’s conference sets the stage for a pivotal election cycle,” said MRW chair Deanna Martinez. “In an era when political institutions are increasingly polarized, Mainstream Republicans of Washington are a voice for the center. We’ve got a strong agenda for this year’s conference that will provide a springboard for candidates who take responsible positions and can appeal to the broad electorate.”

The registration link for this year’s conference is here. The event also will be covered by TVW, the state’s public-affairs TV network. For more information about the conference, visit the Mainstream Republicans of Washington website at www.washingtonmainstream.org.

ATTENTION REPORTERS AND NEWS DIRECTORS: In response to media requests, here are agenda highlights for possible coverage.

Friday, May 31

7:00 PM – Conference Kick-Off, Introduction of Candidates, Welcome to 4th Congressional District from Congressman Dan Newhouse, R-Wash.

7:30 PM – Forum -- Congressional candidates
Speakers: Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner, 5th Congressional District; Leslie Lewallen, 3rd Congressional District; Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, 6th Congressional District; Carmen Goers, 8th Congressional District;  Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, 5th Congressional District; Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, chair of Washington State Republican Party (moderator).  

Saturday, June 1

9:00 AM – Panel – Building Bridges, Making a Difference

10:00 AM – Panel – Is there a future for natural gas?

Speakers: Rep. Alex Ybarra; Jan Himebaugh, Building Industry Association of Washington; Nate Nehring Snohomish County Council (moderator).

11:05 - Panel - The dam issue on the Snake River

Speakers: Congressman Dan Newhouse, R-Wash.; Todd Meyers, Washington Policy Center; Alex McGregor; Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Richland.

12:05 PM – Fentanyl - What can be done?

Speakers: Dr. Raul Garcia, Alisha Tobin, Patti Jackson, Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup.

1:00 PM - Lunch

1:45 PM – Forum – Jamie Herrera Beutler, candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands

2:30 PM – Panel -- What happened to bipartisan redistricting?

Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco; Jackson Maynard, Citizen Action Defense Fund; Sam Reed, former Secretary of State; Maia Espinoza, director and founder of the Center for Latino Leadership (moderator).

3:30 PM – Forum – Dr. Raul Garcia, candidate for U.S. Senate

6:30 PM – Evening banquet, including awards program and auction

8:00 PM – Keynote Speaker – Dave Reichert

Sunday, June 2nd

9:00 AM – Panel – Game Plan for Victory in 2024

Speakers: Steve Gordon; Emily Strode; Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia; Rep. Jim Walsh.