A few minutes ago the Governor released the Washington Learns Final Report. Below is a letter from the Governor describing the Washington Learns process. It also contains a link to the 60 page Final Report.

The Final Report has strategies and recommendations for a ten-year plan that will create a world-class, learner-focused, seamless education system for Washington. It focuses on five major initiatives: the early learning years, math and science, personalized learning, college and workforce training, and accountability.
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Dear Washingtonian,

Education is the most important investment we can make for our economy, our state and our future. An integral part of The Next Washington plan, Washington Learns is a comprehensive review of our entire education system, from early learning through K-12, higher education and workforce training. The goal is to educate more Washingtonians to higher levels.

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If you've worked on a Democratic campaign or put Democratic signs up yourself in your yard, please take the signs down to the Teamsters Hall at 2212 Andresen Road, Vancouver. Any Democratic signs may be deposited there for pickup by candidates who wish to retain them. They can also be recycled or put into the dumpster at that location. (While you're at this, please don't leave a mess.) The dumpster will be hauled away on Tuesday.

Many candidates are keeping their signs for their next campaign. These candidates include Deb Wallace, Steve Stuart and more -- so do them a favor and bring t

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From every corner of our county, members of the Democratic community like you gave their time, their energy, and their hard-earned money on the faith that together we could change this county and our country. Our faith has been rewarded by the American people who sent a resounding, unmistakable message of change and a new direction for America.

This was not just a victory for a party, but an opportunity for our country on a national level.

To clean up our broken budget and broken politics.

To promote policies that make it easier for hard-working Americans who are struggling with the costs of health care, college, prescription drugs and retirement security.

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This morning at the gym I saw President Bush on TV insisting that we were winning in Iraq. Then I saw this article in Salon.

Oct. 25, 2006 | WASHINGTON -- Two retired senior Army generals, who served in Iraq and previously voted Republican, are now openly endorsing a Democratic takeover of Congress. The generals, and an active-duty senior military official, told Salon in separate interviews that they believe a Democratic victory will help reverse course from what they consider to be a disastrous Bush administration policy in Iraq. The two retired generals, Maj. Gen. John Batiste and Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton, first openly criticized the handling of the war last spring, when they called for the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

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Check out this video of Congressman Baird being interviewed on MSNBC. During the interview, he discusses his strong concerns with the Bush Administration and its failed policies on Iraq and national security.

Thank you for voting in the primary.

The Democratic slate is set for the general election and we're on a roll. Pick up the phone and call to volunteer. (360) 254-9116. Get the word out to your neighbors. Local politics is important and there is a lot we can win -- and a lot we can lose.

All the local Democratic candidates can use help getting their messages out to the public. Play a part yourself in getting good Democrats into office. What you do locally today will benefit our entire state.

Primary votes determined many of the judicial contests -- and showed a decisive victory for the people of Washington state, and yet another defeat for corporate-backed candidates trying to buy their way onto the bench. The state and local Democratic parties paid a big part in getting out the vote in the primary. Accolades to our coordinated campaign: "Job well done!"

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Check here for the preliminary final election report.

Have you seen the movie and want more? See Al Gore at the Rose Garden on October 24th. Tickets go on sale on September 18th at the Rose Quarter

Associated Press quotes the Secretary of the Air Force saying that we should be using nonlethal high-power microwave devices on American citizens for crowd-control.

Nonlethal weapons such as high-power microwave devices should be used on American citizens in crowd-control situations before being used on the battlefield, the Air Force secretary said Tuesday.

The object is basically public relations. Domestic use would make it easier to avoid questions from others about possible safety considerations, said Secretary Michael Wynne.

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Being a good citizen and an informed voter is always in season, but as the 2006 campaign hits its final two months, now is the time to get involved or if you are already involved, to step up the pace.

Now is the time to make sure you are registered to vote, that your family is registered to vote, that your extended family is registered to vote and that your friends are registered to vote. Participate in voter registration drives. Washington allows registration up to October 7th by mail or October 23rd in person for the general election.

Now is the time to make a financial contribution to the candidate or candidates of your choice. Go to the candidate’s website, the Clark County Democrats web site, the Washington State Democrats website, the web site, the site of your favorite PAC or political blog, etc. The GOP has been very clear that they will be running a lot of negative ads. Answering those ads with a positive vision will take real money.

Now is the time to volunteer for a campaign. All politics are local and our local campaigns need your help. Plan just a couple hours a week on politics and you will help our quality of life in Clark County. Clark County Washington is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. We all have a responsibility in helping our area grow in the best way possible for all the people who live here. We have major political needs in this region, especially in the area of education and transportation. However, news coverage in Clark County is often overshadowed by Portland events and our local political issues and candidates do not get the coverage they need to make their message heard. You as a volunteer can make all the difference.

Call or visit our office to help. The address is 1717 Broadway in Vancouver; our number is 254-9116.

Working together we can keep Southwest Washington a great place to live.

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