Letter to Senator Patty Murray

26th Legislative District Democrats PO Box 1693 Port Orchard, WA 98366

January 14, 2017

Dear Senator Murray,
Last December, I was elected as Democratic Chair in Washington’s 26th Legislative District, which extends from Gig Harbor to Bremerton. My first order of business has been to mend a group fractured by the un-Democratic system of super delegates and the DNC’s treatment of Senator Sanders.

Imagine my disappointment to learn that you voted with Republicans to block Senator Sanders’ bill to allow Americans to buy prescription drugs from Canada. As a lifelong Democrat, I am weary of making excuses for party leadership, and I am curious to your reasoning behind your decision. Without a reasonable explanation, I must tell you that this decision smells like quid quo pro for the pharmaceutical lobby.

This decision is also personally upsetting to me. Last fall, I spent many hours, often in miserable weather, placing campaign signs for any Democratic candidate that asked me. This included putting up many signs for you, Senator Murray. I feel betrayed.

Perhaps, given your job security, comfortable salary and great insurance benefits, you have forgotten that millions of Americans are struggling to afford their medication. My own dear mother has been faced with making the decision between paying for her prescriptions or for heating oil for her home. So, yes, this is personal for me, and your lack of empathy with the challenges Americans are facing exposes a huge flaw in your leadership. I can only hope you to do more to protect the Affordable Care Act in the days ahead.

I would be pleased to share your response with the members of the 26th LD Democrats. I would suggest, however, that when you come back to Washington State, you explain directly to our group of Democrats. We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in Port Orchard.

John Kelly
Chair, 26th LD Democrats
Grand Master, Key Peninsula Democrats