Pridemore endorsed by progressive organization, teachers union, county executive

Outgoing state Sen. Craig Pridemore, D-Vancouver, has received some prominent endorsements in his race for state auditor.

Last week, Pridemore nabbed endorsements from King County Executive Dow Constantine, the Washington Education Association and Fuse Washington, which calls itself the state’s largest progressive organization.

“Craig will finally bring oversight and accountability to the billions of dollars in tax loopholes and expenditures on the books in our state,” according to a statement made by Fuse. “Unlike some of his primary opponents, Craig’s leadership is based on progressive values: he’s been a consistent defender of women’s health, marriage equality and environmental protections.”

Meanwhile, Constantine said Pridemore is the “only candidate in the race who brings the needed experience to implement real reform, transparency, and efficiency throughout our state and the only candidate with comparable experience managing an office of this size.”

Pridemore’s competition in the race includes state Rep. Troy Kelley, D-Tacoma, state Rep. Mark Miloscia, D-Federal Way, and Republican business consultant James Watkins.

In January, Democrats from the 17th, 18th and 49th districts, as well as the Clark County Democrats, expressed their support for Pridemore. Pridemore announced his candidacy in November. He served six years as Clark County commissioner before running for the state Senate in 2004.

The auditor’s job pays $116,950 a year.

Stevie Mathieu: 360-735-4523 or stevie.mathieu@columbian.com or www.facebook.com/reportermathieu or www.twitter.com/col_politics