The general election Nov. 4 will decide the race for state representative (Position 1) in the 47th District between incumbent Geoff Simpson, a Democrat who has held the office since 2000, and Republican challenger Mark Hargrove.

The district includes Covington, Black Diamond and parts of Auburn, Kent and Renton.

In the primary election in August, Hargrove received the most votes – 10,666 (46.7 percent). Simpson finished with 8,999 votes (39.4 percent), while a third candidate, Democrat Leslie Kae Hamada, received 3,107 (13.6 percent). The district has approximately 68,000 registered voters.

To help inform voters about the candidates, Hargrove and Simpson responded to a questionnaire from the Reporter about their campaigns and issues.

On Saturday, October 18th, 47th district residents received mailers from Simpson criticizing Mark Hargrove for being supported by a sex offender, because “on March 5th Mark Hargrove accepted a contribution from _______, a man the Seattle Times reported was indicted for solicitation of a minor and 6 other felonies.”

The whole story is that on March 5th Mark received a contribution from Andrew Franz, a respected military ROTC instructor at Seattle University. Over two months later, the newspapers reported that Mr. Franz had allegedly responded to an online chat and flew to Colorado for a liason with an underage girl and was arrested in a sting operation about the middle of May. Mark has had no contact with Mr. Franz, but has heard that perhaps the charges were dropped because he is now living in California with his wife. Apparently politicians should never accept contributions from anyone just in case he or she might be arrested months later.

In a Covington Reporter article currently online which will be printed on Friday, October 24th, in referring to Mark Hargrove, Mr. Simpson states,”He recently proposed balancing the state budget by increasing the sales tax, property tax or both while also cutting funding for education and road improvements.”

It is almost humorous how outlandish this lie is! Does anyone believe that anybody running for office would make such a statement! There must be more believable lies he could have tried.

Sunday, July 13th @ 1:30pm. Meet at Willis street and 4th in downtown Kent.

Thanks to all those who participated. We had a huge group! There will be water provided for the next parade. Can’t wait!

Saturday, July 16th @ 10:30am. Meet in the Kohl’s parking lot. Lets all make an effort to show our support in Mark’s hometown.

We had a great showing. We couldn’t even fit everyone into the photo. We had more than 50 people in the parade supporting Mark. Great job! Hope to see you all again at Black Diamond on Labor Day.

Mark with Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna at Covington Days. Notice Mark’s medal. He finished first in his age group in the 5k. Good job, Mark.

Tuesday, August 5 @ 6:00pm $25 a plate for the candidate of your choice. Located at the Bellevue Senior Center.

Mark speaking at the Eastside Republicans meeting. Thank you for those of you that came to show your support for Mark.

Thursday, August 7 @ 7:00pm at the Golden Steer Restaurant on Kent’s East Hill. Keynote speakers: former State Senator Stephen Johnson & Republican State Party Chairman Luke Esser.

Thank to all people who showed up to support Mark. A big thanks to Steve and Luke for speaking.

Tuesday, August 26th @ 6:00-8:30pm, at the John L. Scott Realty office in Kent at Kent-Kangley and 132nd Ave. Please volunteer now. We have a few spots remaining.