Bush is confident of win in local visit

Associated Press

BELLEVUE — It was Al Gore’s Halloween nightmare — George W. Bush surrounded by adoring supporters in Washington state.

Meanwhile, Democratic activists held their own "Scary Hour" at a Seattle rock club in hopes of persuading Ralph Nader supporters to vote for Gore.

Bush had reason to celebrate a little as he visited Bellevue Community College for a Tuesday night rally. A recent poll shows him locked in a dead heat with Gore, in a state that was once considered safely Democrat.

"We’re going to win Washington," Bush said to a cheering crowd of about 4,000 supporters inside the college gymnasium. "We’re going to show that the great state of Washington knows there can be a better day in Washington, D.C."

In a 30-minute speech, Bush talked about his plan to partially privatize Social Security, his plan to cut taxes, and his platform of "compassionate conservatism."

"The great fabric of this nation is the compassionate people," Bush said. "My job will be to lift this nation’s spirit and to set its sights."

The only nod to Halloween onstage was a pumpkin carved with Bush’s likeness. But many in the audience brought their children to the rally straight from trick-or-treating, so the crowd was dotted with cowboys, princesses and dinosaurs perched atop their parents’ shoulders.

"He’s got a stronger character than Gore," said Gina Humphries, 34, of Bellevue, who was attending her first political rally with her husband and two small children. "We’re so sick of Bill Clinton, and Gore. The way we see it, Gore is just continuing the Clinton legacy."

Washington state last voted for a Republican for president in 1984, for Ronald Reagan.

The Republican party has been running ads in Washington, Oregon and Wisconsin featuring Nader criticizing Gore in hopes of taking votes away from the Democrat.

"I agree with the Green Party’s principles and goals," said Vivian McPeak, a Green Party member and executive director of Hempfest, a festival held annually in Seattle. "But I cannot in good conscience, with these goals in mind, cast a symbolic vote for Ralph Nader that will certainly result in a Bush presidency."

McPeak and others told people to vote Green locally, but to vote for Gore in the presidential election.

Nader is scheduled to visit Seattle for a rally on Thursday. Gore may also visit Washington again before the election. On Tuesday, Gore attended an Oregon rally at Portland Community College before flying to California to appear on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno.

Copyright ©2000 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

A view of a homes in Edmonds, Washington on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County to mail property tax statements this month

First half payments are due on April 30.

Ticket and ORCA card kiosks at the Lynnwood Light Rail station on Thursday, April 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Beginning March 1, Community Transit to reduce some fares

Riders eligible for reduced fares will pay $1 for a single ORCA card tap and $36 for a monthly pass.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The amphitheater at Deception Pass during the 2021 concert series. (Photo provided by Deception Pass Park Foundation Facebook page.)
Deception Pass Foundation seeks Adopt-A-Trail volunteers

If you’re looking for a way to get outside and… Continue reading

A pedestrian is struck and killed by vehicle Wednesday in Everett

The pedestrian was a man in his 60s. The collision happened at 5:30 a.m. on Broadway.

Want coffee? Drink some with the Marysville mayor.

A casual question-and-answer session between mayor and constituents is planned for March 24.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.