Berkey’s managing her own campaign

Published 9:00 pm Monday, September 10, 2001

By Jim Haley

Herald Writer

It’s nearly fall, and Jean Berkey is immersed to her eyebrows in yet another political campaign, something the Everett resident has been doing for years.

The difference this time is she’s the political candidate.

Since the mid-1980s, Berkey has managed the campaigns of the likes of the late Rep. Pat Scott, Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel and U.S. Rep. Al Swift.

This time, she stepped into the star role herself, seeking voter permission to continue with the job she was appointed to early this year following the death of Scott, her friend.

Berkey is one of two Democrats seeking that party’s nomination Tuesday to continue into the Nov. 6 general election. The prize is a 38th Legislative District seat, which includes Everett and Marysville.

The second Democrat is Marysville resident Randall Rike.

One of them will be the likely opponent of sole Republican candidate Erv Hoglund of Everett. Also in the race is Libertarian Thomas Kinnebrew of Everett, who will need to garner at least 1 percent of the vote to remain a candidate in the general election.

Berkey’s experience touching voters in past races and in numerous community activities has given her a "a good understanding of our community," she said. "I’ve worked in our community for over 30 years. I’ve volunteered for a lot of different organizations."

She said she knows the people in the community she needs to talk with in order to understand how any piece of pending legislation will affect people on the home front.

Berkey was appointed in January to fill Scott’s term after the longtime legislator died of cancer.

This is Rike’s first plunge into politics. He runs a family floor-covering business in Marysville and is filled with unbridled enthusiasm, what he likes to call a passion.

"I think I can bring a little local pride back to myself, my family, my city, my county, my district and my state," he said.

Rike only recently filed required forms with the state Public Disclosure Commission. He said he didn’t know he had to file them since he didn’t plan to spend much money, most of it his own. As of Friday, the total had been less than $2,000, he said.

Both Berkey and Hoglund have raised more than $50,000.

Although the 38th District has been considered safely in Democratic country, GOP state party chairman Chris Vance said Hoglund will get the resources to give Berkey a good fight.

"I think the Democrats are taking that race for granted," Vance said. "We are not."

You can call Herald Writer Jim Haley at 425-339-3447 or send e-mail to haley@heraldnet.com.