Tom Beattie

Another long-term GCIU member is testing the political waters in an effort to win election to the Washington State senate.

Tom Beattie, a GCIU member for more than 30 years and 182C president for the past three, just received the Democratic Party's nod to run as a candidate in the state's 20th district.

Beattie was encouraged to face the voters after he almost won a race for state representative in 1998, winning 49 percent of the vote while spending less than $2,000 on his campaign.

Beattie explained that Washington has a "right-to-work" law on the books that allows freeloaders to gain union benefits while refusing to pay their dues. He has been working with key lawmakers for three years to improve labor law in the state. He is also campaigning to improve state education and transportation priorities.

Although relatively new to running for office, Beattie, an employee at the state's Department of Printing, has volunteered in his community as a deputy sheriff and fireman for many years.

Beattie is asking financial support from the GCIU and all locals in this year's race. Contributions can be sent to Beattie at 7000 Rixie Road, S.E., Olympia, Wash. 98506.