Washington's 8th Congressional District is the only CD in Washington state that is considered flippable. It is the only district in the state-- and one of only 17 nationwide-- that President Obama carried in 2012 but has a sitting Republican congressman. This congressman, Dave Reichert, recently increased speculation that he will seek the governorship of Washington in 2016, thereby leaving the 8th CD seat open. When this seat is opened, it must be turned blue for Democrats to reclaim a majority in the House of Representatives in 2016. Not just blue, but progressive.

The only candidate running is Jason Ritchie, a determined and outspoken progressive. The DCCC hasn't recruited a conservative to run against him. Reichert tries portraying himself as relatively "mainstream" or even "moderate." It's likely that whoever the GOP tried replacing him with won't even try. Privatizing Social Security and cutting back on Medicare are as high on the Republican agenda as rounding up millions of undocumented immigrants and shipping them to Mexico. That's a very different agenda than the one Jason is fighting for.

After Reichert's announcement he's looking closely at the gubernatorial race last week, Jason told us that he's "seeking this seat in 2016, as I did in 2014, as a strong, progressive Democrat who believes that Social Security, Medicare and Disability are not entitlements; they are earned benefits. I will oppose any Republican efforts to degrade, defund, privatize or otherwise take away our earned benefits."

Across the board, Jason is a stalwart Blue America-backed candidate with values and principles that support working families and not wealthy special interests. 

I strongly support and believe in women's health care choices, and I will oppose any Republican effort to limit access to these health care choices, including any efforts to cut funding to essential access points such as Planned Parenthood. 

I own and operate a small construction business building wheelchair ramps and installing grab bars for seniors and people with physical challenges. I know that middle class, living wage jobs are the lifeblood of our economy. I know that economic inequality and lack of opportunity are the largest threats to our democracy and our economy. I will fight to create strong, middle class, living wage jobs in our communities by investing into our infrastructure.

I need your support to fight those Republicans who think they can keep this seat red. I need your help to make the case to the voters of the 8th CD that this race is not only winnable, it is essential that we win this seat in 2016.