Dino Rossi Vs. The Democrats: WA-8 Race News Roundup April 30

BONNEY LAKE, WA - Welcome to week two of Dino Vs. The Democrats, Patch's weekly roundup of news about the race to replace Dave Reichert in Washington's 8th Congressional District. Lots of stuff happened over the week of April 23 - 29, so hang on for a long post.

Dino and the boys: Dino Rossi took some ribbing from Democrats on Twitter last week when it was revealed he will be part of a "Republican Men's Retreat" at the end of June.

"This 'Republican Men’s Retreat' is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever seen. A special event excluding women sounds like just what the @WAGOP needs," Washington Senate Democratic Campaign political director Alex Bond wrote about the event on Twitter.

Dino and nine other white Republican men will come together for a day of "inspiring and motivating messages" for just $65 per ticket. Not excited? Consider this: One of the guys who will be there is Caleb Heimlich, the state GOP's hot new chairman. He's a millennial, so expect avocado toast and trophies for everyone!

Dueling polls: Last week, Issaquah Democrat Dr. Kim Schrier released a poll showing she's "well positioned to win the primary." Opponent Jason Rittereiser released a poll of his own showing "there is no Democratic frontrunner."

In Schrier's poll, conducted Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research (a DC-based firm that has done work for, among others, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and New Hampshire U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan), the pollster read a description of each candidate. Then, they asked who would get a vote if the primary was held today.

The result was very favorable for Schrier.

"[Schrier] leads Hader 44 percent to 16 percent with Rittereiser taking just 14 percent of self-identified Democrats," the poll description read.

Rittereiser's poll, conducted by Global Strategy Group (clients include Kirsten Gillibrand, Joe Manchin, and also de Blasio), showed all the Democrats polling at 6 points or below. Rossi was in the lead with 43 points, and "undecided" in second place with 37 points.

Rittereiser sent a letter to voters (and the press) calling Schrier's poll "misinformation."

Big week of endorsements: The Kittitas County Democrats endorsed Rittereiser, Schrier, and Shannon Hader. Schrier also picked up the Moms Demand Action: Gun Sense Candidate Distinction. Rittereiser got the Tacoma Firefighters’ IAFF Local 31 endorsement.

Shannon Hader picked up two nice endorsements last week. First, she got a nod from former Auburn Schools Superintendent Judith Billings (and before that, state superintendent of public instruction). Hader was also endorsed by the King County Democrats, with 68 percent of the KC Dems voting for her.

Quick interjection: if you haven't been reading up on the Bailey Stober controversy over at the KC Dems, you must read C is For Crank's extremely detailed reporting on the sexual harassment allegations and dethroning of Stober. The story got even crazier Monday because Stober announced he's running for a state House seat.

Upcoming WA-8 Events

• May 3 - Jason Rittereiser Campaign Office Warming Party & Volunteer Kickoff!
• May 5 - Dr. Kim Schrier for Congress Office Grand Opening
• May 5 - Join Team Shannon in Ellensburg
• May 5 - Meet Dr. Shannon Hader in Redmond
• May 6 - Join Team Shannon in Auburn
• Dino Rossi! If you have an event, please email neal.mcnamara@patch.com

Image via Kim Schrier for Congress