Carlson’s ideas popular, unlike the man himself

Herald staff

It looks like John Carlson’s ideas are a lot more popular than he is in Snohomish County.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate received about 38 percent of the county’s vote in unofficial results from last week’s primary election.

But nearly 60 percent of Snohomish County voters said "yes" just two years ago to Initiative 200, which Carlson authored. The measure banned preferential treatment based on race or gender in public employment, contracting and college admission.

Carlson also served as an informal adviser and a debate speaker in favor of Initiative 695 last year, which passed in this county with a 61 percent yes vote.

That measure cut the state’s motor vehicle excise tax to a flat $30 fee and required voter approval of all tax increases. The latter portion of the initiative was later struck down in the courts.