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| 8/27/2008 3:55:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Supporters gather at
Rasmussen's annual corn feed
by Bruce Smith
Under unusually hot, sunny skies last Saturday evening, local and state Democratic luminaries gathered at State Senator Marilyn Rasmussen's Eatonville farm for her 23rd Annual Corn Feed. Open to everyone, it is a unique opportunity for citizens to mingle with elected officials and candidates.
At the beginning of the festivities, Senator Rasmussen called Governor Chris Gregoire to the stage and said: "It's refreshing to have a governor who is there for you - someone who cares, someone who listens, and then asks you, 'How can I help?'"
The Governor then praised the Senator, calling her a leader in the Senate.
"Senator Rasmussen is on top of every issue," said Gregoire. "She's the leading voice in government advocating for children with autism, and she's the leading voice for farmers and the state's agriculture industry. She's a great lady."
Seizing on that latter theme, Rasmussen then called to the stage her early mentors in politics: former State Representatives Phyllis Erickson and Shirley Winsley. To loud applause, Senator Rasmussen lauded her former colleagues saying, "This is where it all began. Together we broke through the old-boy network."
State Senator Lisa Brown of Spokane, who is also the Senate Majority Leader, also feted Rasmussen, calling her a team player, but also someone who will also take the tough votes to protect her district.
"She sticks to the basics- kids and cows," Senator Brown said.
Other Democrats were also touted: candidates Randy Dorn for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Calvin Goings for County Executive and Darcy Burner for the House of Representatives in the 8th Congressional District.
"As a congresswoman," said Burner, "I aim to be a leader like Marilyn Rasmussen - an independent, strong voice for my constituents, and be down -to-earth. Marilyn is not afraid to get into the nitty-gritty so that things get done."
Several hundred people attended the feed and enjoyed the 600 ears of corn that almost didn't make it to the table. According to Rasmussen, Chair of the Senate Agricultural Committee, this year's weather has delayed the corn harvest several weeks. However, the Allen Scholz farm in Orting was able to supply its first pick just in time. Notably, too, friends stepped up to meet last-minute health department requirements.
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