Rinehart Endorsed By Women’s Caucus

The Washington Women’s Political Caucus is backing state Sen. Nita Rinehart’s campaign for governor.

The endorsement makes Rinehart, D-Seattle, eligible for campaign contributions from the state organization as well as the national caucus, state co-chairwoman Nancyhelen Fischer said Saturday.

“I’m very honored,” Rinehart told about 60 caucus members meeting at North Seattle Community College.

Fischer said the early endorsement was necessary this year because state law prohibits Rinehart from raising any money beginning Dec. 9 through the 30 days following the regular session of the Legislature.

“We wanted to give the only pro-choice woman a heads-up,” Fischer said.

The caucus’ board also heard from former U.S. Rep Jay Inslee, also a Democrat, and from Gov. Mike Lowry’s wife, Mary, before making the endorsement.

Under the caucus’ rules, only women are eligible for endorsements prior to the July deadline for officially filing as a candidate.

And only women can receive the national caucus’ endorsement, but men can be rated by the national organization.