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.

The Art of Misfitting: Kyrsten Sinema

Sinema proudly asserts: "I’ve never really wanted to fit in. Not in Washington and not anywhere else.”

Montana’s New (Temporary) Election Law: Throwing Jon Tester into the Jungle

The ploys' objective is to keep the Libertarian Party off the ballot, a party that has been blamed for draining votes from Tester challengers. Two of Tester’s three election wins have come with fewer than 50 percent of statewide votes, and they featured a Libertarian on the ballot.

No Pretense to Govern: The GOP’s Circular Firing Squad

The GOP caucus today has a higher quotient of crazies who live in fear of being “primaried” by a challenger.  The result, as seen in McCarthy’s behavior, is a timid deference to extremism, fearmongering, firearm fetishizing, and Donald Trump.

A Building Blue Wave

Youth turnout in Washington was about 10 points higher than the national average.  Voting here is encouraged by drop boxes on campuses and same-day registration. The results: Eight Republican legislative challengers in swing districts went down to defeat. 

The Rooms Where It Happened: Washington’s Road to Marriage Equality

The book is timely.  The political and religious right, led by the Republican Party and Fox News, has demonized transgender athletes and drag shows as part of a new campaign to discredit LGBTQ civil rights. 

Running to be Spokane Mayor: Lisa Brown

“This election will shape the future of Spokane for decades," declares the incumbent mayor, Nadine Woodward.

Biden Goes to Canada: Close Allies with a History of Irritation

The Americans, of course, put a benign face on the relationship.  In words from John F. Kennedy, “Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends.  Economies have made us partners. And necessity has made us allies.”

Dark Side of the American Dream: The Rise of the KKK

The latest book by Timothy Egan is both a Gothic tale of the 1920s, and distant mirror for viewing America today.

First Big Poll on Washington’s 2024 Governor’s Race

The latest poll tested four gubernatorial prospects -- the GOP’s Bruce Dammeier and three Democrats.

Drill Bidey Drill! Biden Reverses and Approves Giant Alaska Willow Project

Global warming is already impacting the 49th state.  The Arctic icepack is shrinking.  Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are increasing.  The melting of permafrost is releasing methane into the atmosphere.

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