Congressional candidate Michael Baumgartner will be hosting Baumtoberfest, a campaign event featuring several prominent political figures in eastern Washington. The event is scheduled for June 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Spokane’s German Hall, located at 25 W. 3rd Ave.
Joining Baumgartner at the event are Kjerstin Bell, Nadine Woodward, Dino Rossi, Brian Heywood, and Melissa Williams. Baumgartner, who is running for the 5th Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, announced the event shortly after Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown’s State of the City address, where she proposed a controversial tax increase.
Baumgartner expressed concern about the impact of property tax hikes on seniors living on fixed incomes, urging Mayor Brown to consider alternative solutions to address issues like crime and homelessness. The Republican candidate has raised over $400,000 for his campaign, with the most cash on hand compared to other candidates in the district.
In addition to Baumtoberfest, Baumgartner is hosting meet-and-greet events in Clarkston and Pullman on May 9 and 10, leading up to the campaign event. Heywood, a hedge fund executive and founder of Let’s Go Washington, funded several initiatives during the legislative session, with some passing and others set for a vote in November.
Initiatives passed include measures prohibiting income taxes, lowering thresholds for police pursuits, and establishing parents’ rights in public school education. Meanwhile, upcoming initiatives aim to repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act, the capital gains tax, and allow individuals to opt out of the long-term care program.
