Joel Connelly

I worked for Seattle Post-Intelligencer from 1973 until it ceased print publication in 2009, and SeattlePI.com from 2009 to 6/30/2020. During that time, I wrote about 9 presidential races, 11 Canadian and British Columbia elections‎, four doomed WPPSS nuclear plants, six Washington wilderness battles, creation of two national Monuments (Hanford Reach and San Juan Islands), a 104 million acre Alaska Lands Act, plus the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

Washington Primary: Biden and Trump (Predictably) Prevail

The results confirm a longstanding Washington tradition, summed up by a venerable slogan: The empty drum bangs loudest.

McConnell’s Lame Legacy

Despite the ridicule he’s received — and the fact that he privately detests Trump — McConnell has stayed with the 45th president. He has not only endorsed Trump’s comeback bid, but can be described as Trump’s enabler.

The Case for Biden

With the country under threat, can we afford excesses and alienation on the left?

Montana Madness and a Key U.S. Senate Race for Jon Tester

The Republicans are gunning for Tester, having cleared the field for a multi millionaire ex-Navy SEAL named Tim Sheehan to take out incumbent Tester. Trump has endorsed Sheehan.

How Washington State Republicans Drove Their Party into a Ditch

The Republican Party in Washington state has been decimated during Trump’s reign atop the party.

New Poll: Ferguson Sprints to the Lead in Governor’s Race

AG “Ferguson started at 21 percent last March, improved to 25 percent in June of 2023, then to 31 percent in November of 2023, and now at 35 percent,” said Andrew Villeneuve, who heads Northwest Progressive Institute.

Democrats Win Santos Seat on Long Island; House Closer Than Ever

The outcome in New York state increases prospects of Democrats capturing a majority in November. If so, power would flow to senior House members from Washington state.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers Joins the Herd of Republicans Leaving Congress

She follows two other top-ranking Republicans who are not seeking reelection. The GOP may well lose control of Congress’ lower chamber in the November election.

Control of the US Senate Runs Through Arizona and Texas. Dems Come Calling on Seattle

Democratic challengers in Texas and Arizona, key states for Democrats' hope to hold onto the Senate, come calling for Seattle dollars.

Best-Laid Plans: This Year’s Governor’s Race Is No Easy Walk

The dominant Democrats of Washington face the challenge with the pending exit of three-term Gov. Jay Inslee.

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