OLYMPIA – The Association of Washington Business (AWB) is pleased to announce our debate line-up for the 2004 Policy Summit at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine.

This year’s summit will feature debates between candidates for governor, attorney general; all three State Supreme Court seats, commissioner of public lands; insurance commissioner and superintendent of public instruction. The summit will also feature discussions on the November ballot’s major initiatives.

“We feel that this year’s Policy Summit will provide our members with all of the information required to make an informed decision on November 2,” said Don Brunell, president of AWB. “This election will decide the future of Washington state; we want to make sure the business community is aware of what each candidate brings to the table.”

The Summit will culminate with a gubernatorial debate between the Republican candidate, Dino Rossi, and the winner of the Democratic Primary between candidates Christine Gregoire and Ron Sims. The debate will be aired statewide on TVW and KING-5/KONG-6 TV, and will be moderated by Robert Mak of KING-5’s Upfront program.

Note to members of the media: The media is cordially invited to attend the Policy Summit. It is free of charge to all members of the media. Our one request is that members of the media please do not interfere with the debates, as our members do not have the access to the candidates the media does. There will be a special media center provided for the media to conduct interviews of the candidates before and after each debate. Please RSVP in order for us to have an accurate amount of space provided. If you plan to attend or have any questions or concerns, please contact Shawn Sullivan at (360) 943-1600 ext: 1053, or via email at shawns@awb.org.

ITINERARY:

• Jim Matson Award (Legislator)
• S. Fred Bruhn Award (Board Member)
• Ron Gjerde Award (Lobbyist)
• Chair Awards

1:30 p.m. Attorney General Candidate Interviews
2:30 p.m. Statewide Candidate Interviews

• Commissioner of Public Lands
• Insurance Commissioner

3:30 p.m. Initiatives Forum (Breakout sessions)
7:15 p.m. Gubernatorial Candidates Forum