- Leavenworth, WA
Gubernatorial candidate Loren Culp a republican held an elective rally after winning Washington's conservative primary August 4th however drastically lost to current governor Jay Inslee. At the polls Inslee was dominating the polls at 61% following Culp at 32%.
Culp had a large scaled rally 15 miles outside of the Bavarian style town of Leavenworth included live music, food and an appearance from Culp as the election returns came in. Hundreds came going against Inslee's mandate against large gatherings of people to slow the spread of COVID-19. In Chelan County, which is in modified Phase 1.5 of Washington’s Safe Start plan, gatherings of more than five people are banned.
Culp's campaign said the rally is meant for those who support Culp's run for governor to “exercise [their] freedom.” Culp has a military and law enforcement background and is the current police chief for the city of Republic in eastern Washington.
His bid for governor started after he gained attention for refusing to enforce voter-approved Initiative 1639 that tightened restrictions on gun laws. He said people started telling him he should run for governor and challenge Inslee, so he did.
One of Culp’s main focuses is tackling homelessness, drug addiction and crime with “zero-tolerance” policies that "empower law enforcement professionals to actively take drug dealers and addicts off the streets."
BY: TEGNA KING 5 SEA/ MLWA 7