REDMOND WA — “Welcome to Washington State’s new 1st Congressional District,” says James Watkins, candidate in Washington’s 1st CD in response to the new redistricting maps.

 The new 1st CD is geographically huge, stretching from I-90 to the Canadian border.  Designed to be a swing district, and missing some wonderful people in Kitsap and Southwest Snohomish, its core is the same as the old 1st District - the densely populated tech heavy communities surrounding Microsoft, Boeing, and hundreds of innovative small businesses. 

 “In 2010, I ran an issues based campaign against Jay Inslee and did better than anyone has in a decade.  We generated tons of excitement in the community and gave a voice to those who haven’t felt energized for years.  My 500+ volunteers and strong grassroots organization helped me engage swing voters in new ways with a positive message of good government.  In 2012, I’m blessed to run in a true swing district where candidates need to pay attention to issues and can’t skate by on memorized partisan talking points.” 

 “This election is all about fixing a Country that politics have broken.  The only way to solve the gridlock in D.C. is with effective solutions – not politics as usual.  Voters in the 1st demand good government and real results, not partisan talking points,” Watkins said.  “I’ve got a unique background – I learned how D.C. works from my 4 years of federal service, but have spent most of my career helping businesses grow and prosper.  I’ve worked with thousands of organizations ranging from ‘mom & pop’ stores to Microsoft; from established family businesses to innovative start-ups founded in the depths of the great recession.”

 “We don’t need more politicians in Congress – we’ve got enough of those already.  I’m the only guy running who has helped cut spending at a federal agency AND helped create thousands of private sector jobs – and that’s the ONLY way to solve our Country’s problems.”