CBCI Podcast

What does it mean to have common sense when it comes to politics? How can the Republican Party compete in Washington? Is Jaime Herrera Beutler an ideal candidate? Why listen to Josh and Ken ramble about these issues? Luckily, you don't have to, because we are beyond thrilled to welcome the one and only Brandi Kruse to the show. Brandi is the host of unDivided (undividedpod.com) and will be our guest speaker at an event this Saturday in the Tri-Cities.

We welcome Senator Matt Boehnke from the 8th District to the show to talk about how he became interested in politics. Then we dive into the hot topic of China and two bills he proposed to address the CCP's purchase of farmland and Chinese drones. We also delve into the world of autonomous vehicles and the legislation Matt has proposed there. Could Washington be a hub for exploring this innovative technology? Or do we need to protect existing jobs? Finally, learn what is different about Matt's role as a Senator versus a lowly member of the House.

After so many high-profile guests, Josh and Ken chat one-on-one to recap the interviews with Todd Myers and Jim Walsh. Then, we jump into some outlandish claims that showed up in recent campaign emails only to follow the trail to a nonsensical radio interview from a local congressional candidate. We delve into whether Rep. Dan Newhouse is for funding Planned Parenthood, if he is flippant about the Second Amendment, and if he votes like he is from Seattle or Portland. Also, what is the "vaccine database" that we keep hearing about??

Jim Walsh is the newly elected Chair of the Washington State Republican Party. Jim joins us to tell us about his goals for the WSRP and why he thinks the Republican Party has struggled in Washington. We discuss what makes a "strong candidate" and how one should factor in electability when choosing who to support. We wrap up by discussing whether his role as chair of the state party conflicts with his duties as a state representative.

"I don't know, CBCI!"

Now we are big time! We are delighted to welcome Todd Myers, Director of the Center for the Environment for the Washington Policy Center, to discuss his recent book (Time to Think Small). He's mostly known as our state Carnac the Magnificent of Gas Prices. Who could have predicted these gas price increases? Well, anyone with common sense, but not to the precision of Todd Myers. We also delve into how well the State of Washington has advocated for the environment and what exactly is the Freedom Conservatism movement.

CBCI is nothing if not a vestibule leading to political enlightenment, so with today's episode, we welcome Christy Rasmussen to the show to answer the burning question on everybody's mind: just what exactly do our ports do? Christy is a Port Commissioner with the Port of Benton and tells us how she became appointed to her position and enlightens us on why the public should pay attention to their ports and elections for port commissioners.

Rep. Skyler Rude (R-Walla Walla) from the 16th legislative district joins the show to school everyone on the importance of teaching our students financial literacy. We also touch on school choice and working across the aisle.

On episode 15, Josh and Ken welcome Justin Raffa, Chair of the Elections Committee for the Benton County Democrats (and much more!), to discuss the dynamics of the local Democratic Party. We learn how Justin became involved in politics and what he does in his role with the local party. Is the party growing? How do their endorsements work? Lots of agreement is found on the need for civility, serious debate, and people to act like adults. We wrap up with a book recommendation from Justin.

Just what everyone is yearning for, more hot takes and analysis from the recent Republican presidential debate. What were our favorite moments, any bright spots, and most importantly, what does the showing signify about the future of the Republican Party?

Turning attention to the north, Jake Mayson, Director of Public Policy for Greater Spokane Incorporated, joins the show to give the scoop on the political landscape in Spokane including what to expect in the 2023 mayoral race. Wrapping things up, all take turns bestowing praise upon Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (CMR).