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2006
The following candidates faced very competitive races at the state and local level.
Their races were crucial elements to change the balance of power and bringing progressive values to the decision making bodies at the state and local level.
Derek Kilmer
Elected to State Senate District 26 (Open Seat)
Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, & Bremerton
Three years ago, the people of the 26th District decided they wanted a change and elected Progressive Majority candidate Derek Kilmer to the Washington House of Representatives. In 2006, the conservative Senator in the 26th decided not to run due to health problems, and Derek won his seat for progressives. Derek was born and raised on the Olympic Peninsula. He received a doctoral degree from the University of Oxford in England where he studied economic development policy, and received his bachelors' degree in public policy from Princeton University.
Claudia Kauffman Redmorningstar
Elected to State Senate District 47 (Open Seat)
Kent, Auburn, Covington, & Black Diamond
Claudia Kauffman is a a Nez Perce tribal member and elected State Senator from District 47. She previously worked as the intergovernmental affairs liaison for the Muckleshoot tribe since 2001 the People's Lodge Project and co-founded the grassroots organization Native Action Network. She sits on the board of trustees of The Evergreen State University. A former foster parent, she is married and is raising her two children in Kent.
John Lehman
Elected to State Senate District 21 (Open Seat)
Racine
John Lehman is a State Senator from District 21. He served as a progressive voice in the State Assembly from 1996 until his 2006 election to the Senate, and before that for 12 years on the Racine City Council.
Paula Aboud
Elected to State Senate - District 28 (Incumbent)
Tucson and Pima County
Paula Aboud, an activist for the Tucson Democratic Party, was appointed to the State Senate by the Pima County Board of Supervisors early this year following a resignation. She has since proven herself to be a champion for progressive issues. Paula has proven to be one of the most progressive voices in a body dominated by ultra-conservative views. She was reelected in 2006.
Joelle Riddle
Elected to LaPlata County Commissioner, District 1 (Challenger)
Joelle Riddle is a County Commissioner in District 1. Joelle was born and raised in Durango and during the past seven years she has worked as the Education Director of Planned Parenthood. Joelle has also been an active leader in the non-profit community, especially youth opportunity programs. Joelle served as the La Plata County Democratic Party Chair during the 2004 election cycle. Joelle lives in Durango with her husband Matt and her son Mescha. Joelle is a dynamic, hard working candidate who has a promising political career.
Doug Milliken
Elected to Arapahoe County Treasurer (Open Seat)
Doug Millliken is an Aurora City Councilmember. Doug was the City of Centennial's Treasurer for four terms, where he was responsible for turning a $3 million deficit into a $5 million surplus. Because of Doug's wise investments, the City of Centennial was able to use the unexpected revenue to hire five additional Sheriff Deputies without raising taxes. As a result, the City of Centennial was ranked one of the 25 safest cities in America - a perfect example of how an extremely qualified public leader utilizes limited public resources to positively impact and improve the quality of life for Coloradoans.
Doug is also a third generation Coloradoan and an Arapahoe County native, he is openly gay, a successful small business owner of a financial consulting company, a former Wall Street executive, he has been a Certified Public Accountant for 25 years, and he earned two Master's degrees in financial management. Doug is one of the most qualified candidates Progressive Majority has ever supported.
Kathy Hartman
Elected to Jefferson County Commissioner (Challenger)
Kathy Hartman is a Jefferson County Commissioner. Kathy has worked as the Executive Director of Stride, a nonprofit organization that helps families on welfare get back on their feet and back into the workforce. She also sat on the Jefferson County Workforce Development board and the Mental Health Board. Kathy currently lives in Littleton with her husband Bill.
Barbara McIlvaine Smith
Elected to State House District 156 (Open Seat)
Chester County
Barbara Smith ran and won the top targeted race for Democrats in the state house in 2006. Barbara took advantage of Progressive Majority's full training program in 2004 when she first ran for this seat against an incumbent losing in a close race. She was the Vice President of the West Chester City Council and is a lifelong resident of Chester County. Barbara is a strong progressive in her moderate district and has convinced Republicans that she is the most qualified and capable representative of this district. Barbara has made Pennsylvania state history as the first Native American ever elected to the legislature.
Eric Oemig
Elected to State Senate District 45 (Open Seat)
Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, Duvall, & Carnation
Eric Oemig spent his high-tech career solving problems - a skill that he now brings to the State Senate. Like many in the 45th District, Oemig moved to the area 15 years ago when he joined Microsoft. Eric has also been active on the Eastside - as a member of the Kirkland Library Board, Hopelink Executive Leadership Council, and Toastmasters International.
Now Eric is a State Senator from District 45. He won election in 2006.
Jim Sullivan
Elected to State Senate District 5 (Challenger)
Wauwatosa
Jim Sullivan, an attorney, local Alderman, and Naval reservist, carried his message of strong schools, quality healthcare, and fiscal responsibility in the State Capitol in 2006, winning his Senate race against an extremely conservative incumbent.
Pat Kreitlow
Elected to State Senate District 23 (Challenger)
Chippewa Falls
In 2006, Pat Kreitlow challenged 17-year conservative Republican incumbent Dave Zien, and won. Pat is best known as a longtime journalist in the area. He anchored the 6 pm and 10 pm newscasts at WEAU-TV 13 from 1998 to 2005, and worked in several other broadcast positions following his 1986 graduation from UW-Eau Claire. He's received several broadcasting awards and has also served for six years on the board of directors of Literacy Volunteers. His wife is a well-respected OB-GYN at the local health clinic. Pat is an extremely well spoken candidate with great political instincts and he is raising the money needed to get his message out to voters. Pat Kreitlow is committed to addressing the real issues facing Wisconsin families.