Naturally, since incumbent state Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland is a Republican, he's emphasizing the support he's getting from Democrats.

Sutherland's opponent is Democrat Peter Goldmark.

(By the way, if you want to see Goldmark's stand on the issues, click on this link. And you'll find that he doesn't have any, yet -- at least, not on his Web site.)

Republican and Democratic Legislative Leaders Endorse Doug Sutherland
Seven Former Speakers of the House and Senate Majority Leaders

Citing his ability to bring people together on tough environmental issues, several prominent Democrats, including Speakers of the House Bill Polk (R), Wayne Ehlers (D), Clyde Ballard (R) and Brian Ebersole announced their endorsement of Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland.

Three Senate Majority Leaders announced their endorsement of Doug as well, including Sen. Dan McDonald (R), Sen. Ted Bottiger (D) and Sen. Bill Finkbeiner (R).

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“Doug has the ability to bring people, Democrat and Republican alike, to solve Washington’s toughest environmental problems,” said former Speaker Brian Ebersole. “I’ve known Doug for 20 years, and he is earnest, honest and hardworking and he has my vote.”

“I’ve had many chances to work with Doug, sometimes across party lines, but always to find solutions,” said former Senate Democratic Majority Leader Ted Bottiger.

“Discussions about the responsible stewardship of Washington’s forests have been too divisive for too long,” said Sutherland. “I appreciate the support of so many Democrats who have helped craft sustainable solutions that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for schools, create healthy forest ecosystems and provide benefits for all the people of Washington. Only by working together can we end the divisiveness and anger that has really damaged Washington’s economy and ecosystems.”

Democrats from across Western Washington noted his ability to find bipartisan solutions.

“As Commissioner of Public Lands, Doug has rolled up his sleeves to solve problems, and has been good for the Port of Everett,” said Everett Port Commissioner Don Hopkins Jr. “I’ve known Doug since he was Pierce County Executive, and I’m supporting him because he is the best man for the job.”

Clark County Commissioner Judie Stanton added her endorsement. “I’ve known Doug for nearly eight years, and he has always been able to work across party lines to find solutions, including the cleanup of land at Camp Bonneville here in Clark County.”

“Doug has done a terrific job and there are four more years of work to go,” said Democrat State Senator Tim Sheldon.

Other prominent Democrats include Executive Director of the Washington State Machinists Linda Lanham, Andrea Riniker and Patricia Akiyama.

This year, Doug built bipartisan support for a forestry plan for Washington, which was unanimously endorsed by the two Democrats, two Republicans and two scientists who sit on the State Board of Natural Resources.

And early in his term, Doug was invited to speak with the Kittitas County Democrats to discuss environmental issues, such as Doug’s work to lease land near Ellensburg to create wind power.

Endorsements and Support Roll In For Sutherland

With nearly 1,300 contributors, Sutherland has raised more than $200,000 during the campaign so far. Doug has also been endorsed by recreation advocates, firefighters, environmentalists, family foresters and hundreds of others across Washington.