EVERETT – The fight for Washington’s 11 electoral votes continues on Labor Day as U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., leads a discussion of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry’s plans, while sitting on a front porch in Everett.

The event begins at 11 a.m. Monday at 3124 Grand Ave. The conversation will center on the contents of “Our Plan for America,” the book detailing the proposals of Kerry and his running mate, Sen. John Edwards.

President Bush visited Western Washington in August, and both candidates are spending thousands of dollars on commercials in the state, which is one of 17 that could swing the election.

For information, call 206-281-4217.

League announces candidate forums

The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County is filling up the September calendar with candidate forums.

On Sept. 9, candidates for local, state and federal offices, as well as judicial seats, are invited to share their views at a 7 p.m. forum at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St. in Edmonds. For information, call 425-778-5544.

On Sept. 28, candidates competing for state legislative seats in the 38th and 39th districts will share their views in a forum at 6:30 p.m. in the Marysville School District boardroom, 4220 80th St. NE in Marysville.

For information, call 425-350-5969.

On Sept. 11, the third anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, Stanwood-area residents will rally in support of troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan 3-7 p.m. at the Stanwood Thrifty store, 27225 90th Ave. NW.

Representatives of Adopt-a-Platoon, Children’s Iraqi Foundation and We Care Foundation will be at the event. A community card for soldiers will be prepared to mail to troops.

Also, services will be available for those who wish to make video messages or send postcards to those on the front lines or recovering in medical facilities.

For information, call 360-629-6091.

Group endorses area candidates

State Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell; Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish; and Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, are among 51 Democratic candidates endorsed for state office this week by former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and Progressive Majority, a national political group.

Also receiving endorsements were three Democratic candidates for the state House of Representatives: Mark Ericks in the 1st District, Nancy Conard in the 10th District and Pedro Gonzales in the 39th District.

Dean, founder of Democracy for America, and Gloria Totten, executive director of Progressive Majority, made the announcements Tuesday.

Progressive Majority is comprised of labor, environmental and women’s rights activists. It judged candidates on their views on education, civil rights, health care, reproductive freedom, environment and labor issues.

Those endorsed will receive contributions and technical support for their campaigns.

Also, Dean will contact the 35,000 members of Democracy for America in Washington state and encourage them to contribute time and money to the candidates.