OLYMPIA, Wash. – With any holiday comes the obligatory social media post from political campaigns looking forward to an upcoming election. Gubernatorial candidates AG Bob Ferguson (D) and Dave Reichert (R) both offered statements celebrating workers on Labor Day, though they differed in tone.
Ferguson’s campaign went on the attack, pointing to Reichert’s criticisms of teachers’ unions and promising that the Democratic candidate would not lower teacher pay.
“My Republican opponent Dave Reichert says they’re overpaid…Washington families know just how important teachers are. Dave Reichert is flat wrong,” Ferguson said. “Workers across Washington know I’ll fight for them as Governor.”
Reichert didn’t mention Ferguson in his social media post, opting instead to highlight photos of Washington workers in various fields.
“Thank you to workers across Washington for your hard work—our state stays on the tracks because of you. Happy Labor Day!” Reichert said.
Public Disclosure Commission data reveals diverging bases of labor support between Ferguson and Reichert.
The Attorney General has taken home contributions from several unions including United Food and Commercial Workers Local 367, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 598 and the Inlandboatmen’s Union PSR Defense Committee.
Reichert’s labor support has mostly come from law enforcement with which he interacted as former King County Sheriff, including the Police Officers Guild of King County.
Moving into fall, both campaigns are focused on connecting with potential swing voters as they get closer to November.
