GOP opens new office on Ericksen
Published 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 18, 2004
The cream-colored rambler at 470 Ericksen Avenue could be mistaken for a modest, everyday residence – if it weren’t for the lawn decor.
Dozens of hip-high signs crowd the yard, declaring the names of Republican candidates in patriotic colors and flag-inspired themes. The garage door is blocked with still more signs, stacked and ready for party faithful who packed the house Thursday evening.
Welcome to the island’s GOP command central. The Kitsap County Republican Party’s satellite office officially opened with food, flyers, banners, buttons and a who’s who of local party candidates.
Bremerton realtor Frank Mahaffay served ice cream cones in the yard while his party rival in the 23rd District’s Position 1 House primary, Paulette DeGard, chatted with State Rep. Beverly Woods. County commission candidates Matthew Cleverly and Scott Henden, who hope to unseat Democrat Chris Endresen, shook hands and joked with supporters.
“Have you met the commander-in-chief?” activist Jim Olsen asked with a wink to a cardboard George W. Bush smiling from the corner of the living room.
Congressman Jay Inslee’s Republican challenger Randy Eastwood stood at the cardboard Bush’s side, perusing the snack table’s quesadillas and guacamole.
“This is a wonderful new place,” the Kirkland realtor said. “There’s a lot of excitement over here on Bainbridge.”
Republican supporters packed the living room, dining area, kitchen and backyard patio. Many expressed a sense of optimism for a party that has been sidelined on the largely left-leaning island.
“This is probably an eye-opener for a lot of people,” said Doug Kitchens, who is squaring off against Democrat Phil Rockefeller for the 23rd District’s senate seat. “The thing I keep hearing is that everyone wants to see more choices on the island.
“They’re tired of the ‘same old, same old.’ They want something fresh.”
The house, a stone’s throw from downtown Winslow, will serve as a satellite office of the party’s county headquarters in Bremerton.
Olsen, the Bainbridge office’s manager, hopes to have the space open six days a week, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two phones and a computer will enable volunteers to contact voters and research issues.
Olsen plans to host speeches by party candidates, including Mahaffay on Tuesday.
“It’s about time this was here,” said island resident Susan Cosgrove after investigating campaign flyers, stickers and buttons arrayed in front of the living room fireplace. “It’s in a visible spot and shows that (Republicans) are here on the island and are part of the mix, just like the rest of the county.”
Raising the party’s profile was one reason island residents Bill and Vivian Burnett donated use of the house. Republicans will pass the residence back after the November election.
“I called (Republican Party County Chairwoman) Shirley Brown about a month ago when I realized we had no presence on the island,” Vivian Burnett said. “We’re in the minority here. I wanted the Republican Party on the island to be more visible.”
Brown sees political change on Bainbridge’s horizon thanks, in part, to the new office.
“This is a very good opportunity to increase our base support,” she said. “Politics are fluid. Nothing stays the same.”
While Bainbridge voters have tended to support Democratic candidates, the island has become a significant source of campaign funds for both Republicans and Democrats.
Island residents Everett and Andrea Paup were the biggest political donors in the West Sound. Most of their $50,000 worth of contributions went to Republicans like George Nethercutt, who hopes to unseat Sen. Patty Murray.
Robert and Cara Chapman said they’re witnessing political changes on Bainbridge similar to what they’ve seen in Hawaii, where they own a second home.
“In Hawaii, we have the first Republican governor in 40 years,” Cara Chapman said. “The older people, the ones that have been on the islands forever, always vote ‘Big D.’”
But as Hawaii’s population grew and diversified, voters challenged the status quo, Robert Chapman added.
“New people moved in and wanted change. They were tired of the same regime,” he said. “New people are moving here and changing the demographics.”
Democrats opened a campaign office in Winslow Mall last month. Jim Sharpe, state committee man for the 23rd District Democrats, welcomed the Republican office.
“I don’t know if they’ll do all that well getting Republican votes on Bainbridge Island,” he said. “But this is what democracy is all about. Welcome to the party.”
It is unclear whether this is the first Republican campaign office on the island. Several Thursday evening felt there had been one before, but could not remember when or where.
“I’m not sure if this is the first,” Brown said. “But I am sure it’s not the last.”
