Aunty M posted this over on Steelheader.net - I have taken the liberty of copying it here. Hopefully Aunty will not take offense, I thought it was good news and wanted to share. Thanks for posting this Aunty.


For those of you that haven't contributed to the WA Sportfishing PAC, and don't get email updates, I wanted to let you read the following from Corey.


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Clint Muns, board member for the PAC, attended a sportfishing fundraiser for Gubernatorial Candidate Christine Gregoire on August 1st. Below is his report of the trip.

"Was the investment by the Sportfishing community, via the Washington Sportfishing PAC, to have a representative on board the Monte Carlo, August 1st, worth it? My opinion...yes!
The consensus of all the representatives from the Sportfishing community on board with Chris Gregoire...mission accomplished! Is that all there is to it? Hardly. It's only the beginning.
Chris Gregoire, her husband and two daughters, boarded the Monte Carlo in Westport at 6:00am Sunday morning. After crossing a 'lumpy' bar, we were informed we would be running a couple of hours to where fish were being caught. Lot's of time for discussions. Several individuals from various segments of the Sportfishing community had ample opportunity to express our thoughts regarding the economic impact sportfishing has on our economy, sport vs commercial allocation, and the importance of 'set' seasons to vacation planning. For both residents and out of state tourists this has a significant effect to our state economy. Chris seemed genuinely receptive to our concerns and very understanding of the concepts we put forth. Some questions she asked exposed a very real shortcoming within the Sportfishing community. How well do legislators understand these concerns and concepts? What is our relationship with the legislature? We don't have enough communication with legislator's and they don't understand the issue's. Simply put, how could they understand our issue's if we aren't talking to them? We are improving but still have a lot of work to do. That will be a key component of implementing significant change to Washington Sportfishing. Effective grass roots support, coupled with strong leadership WILL make a difference.
Fishing started a bit slow but didn't take long to 'get busy.' Chris' husband put the first fish in the box. Her oldest daughter outperformed everyone on board. Her youngest daughter struggled but her determined efforts paid off. Chris impressed most of us with her ability to handle a direct drive reel very effectively. Something most of us have problems with. The Gregoire family is truly a 'Fishing Family.' If Chris Gregoire is elected Governor, I believe Sportfishers will have a friend in the highest office in Washington State.
The long trip back provided plenty of time to talk about more personal things. To begin developing relationships that could net real dividends in the future. These connections aren't strictly business, they're friendships. Friendships based in common ideals and goals. Friends helping friends succeed.
Like I said, this is only a beginning...a good one, but we need more friends!"

Corey Freeman
Treasurer
Washington Sportfishing PAC
P.O. Box 11956
Olympia, WA 98508
360-480-6646
Wasportfishingpac@comcast.net
http://home.comcast.net/~wasportfishingpac


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Regardless of what party affiliation you have, it's wise to admit that making friends with people in high places can further OUR interests. It's great to see that Chris is not only willing to listen to concerns, but also realizes that fishing is a healthy, family oriented activity that is neccessary to this state's well being.

I don't know if this is a "first", having a gubenatorial candidate go fishing on a charter and seek support of sport fisherman, but it sure is awesome!

It's not to late to get on board with this group. Just a $10 donation can be put to good use. Surveys are going out to candidates soon, and the results will be posted on the PAC's site. This will enable us all to be better informed voters when we hit the polls in November.

Thanks to WA Sportfishing PAC. You guys rock!