June 12 event set for historic Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane

OLYMPIA—The Association of Washington Business announced today it will host its fifth gubernatorial debate on June 12 at the historic Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane, in partnership with Greater Spokane, Incorporated. The debate will feature U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D) and Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna (R). Austin Jenkins, Olympia correspondent for the Northwest News Network, will moderate the debate.

The first gubernatorial debate AWB hosted was in 1992 between candidates Mike Lowry (D) and Ken Eikenberry (R). In each gubernatorial election since then, AWB has hosted a debate between candidates for governor, though it has traditionally been in September in conjunction with the association’s annual Policy Summit event. Given the recent changes in the state’s primary system, the event was moved to June this year.

“AWB has a long history of hosting one of the premiere debates in the race for Washington state governor. With so many pressing issues facing our state — from the economy to the environment, trade, taxes and education — the race for governor has never been more critical to the future of our state,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “We are excited to welcome both candidates to this event and look forward to an open discussion of the top issues facing Washington state voters.”

In addition to the gubernatorial exchange, AWB will also host a debate between candidates for attorney general with Reagan Dunn (R) and Bob Ferguson (D). Jenkins will also moderate the attorney general debate.

“We’ve got member businesses of every size, scope and industry. But they all have a stake in Washington’s future, as taxpayers and employers,” added Brunell. “There’s never been a better time for our members to get engaged in the election process. We are honored to again host this event and provide the candidates for both governor and attorney general with a chance to have an open dialog on key issues.”

About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 7,700 members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit http://www.awb.org/.

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