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.

Where’s the Beef? Patty Murray’s Campaign Ads Omit her Significant Record

Tiffany Smiley is getting around and gaining ground by claiming Murray does nothing for the state. The claim is a lie, but the senator’s campaign has underplayed her accomplishments.

Pramila Jayapal, Congressional Icarus?

The bright lights of notoriety are casting shadows on the fast-rising Jayapal.

How Kim Schrier Hopes to Hold on to Her Job

“I’ve got to run a perfect campaign:  One slip up and I’m toast,” Schrier told supporters on Tuesday night.  "This is a nail biter."

New Poll: Murray-Smiley Race is Slightly Tightening

The Survey USA findings show a whopping gender gap, with Murray enjoying a 55-35 percent lead among women, while Smiley leads 49-43 percent with male voters.

British Columbia’s New Premier

David Eby, 46, began his legal career working in Vancouver’s drug-ridden Downtown Eastside and later was executive director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association. 

Oops: Inslee Sends a Fundraising Pitch to Tom Foley

The latest appeal from Jay Inslee for Washington speaks not a word on how the donation will be spent and fails to mention the mid-term election in Washington state.

So Stressed! Help! Last Ditch Effort! It Depends on You! Tiffany Smiley’s Relentless Emails

The fear-inducing tone of Smiley’s ceaseless stream of e-mails, begging money for the Republican’s U.S. Senate campaign, makes me wonder whether to respond with a contribution or call for a crisis intervention.

Montana and the Fine Art of Suppressing Hostile Voters

The Republican-run Montana Legislature, seeking to make it difficult for people we met to vote, has deployed distances in the Big Sky State as a political weapon.

Alaska’s New Congresswoman Mary Peltola Goes Fishing at a Seattle Fundraiser

The moderate Peltola delivered a lesson on Alaska politics, practical problem solving, and cross-party cooperation to a Seattle audience.

Nina and Ruth: A Beautiful Friendship with Serious Consequences

Nina Totenberg could have, should have, acted on her knowledge of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s health problems.

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