Everett Business Owner To Challenge Larsen For Democratic Nomination in 2016

Mike Lapointe, who owns the Firewheel Coffeehouse in downtown Everett has announced he’s going to run against incumbent Congressman Rick Larsen as a Democrat. In the last two congressional elections Lapointe ran as an independent. Here’s the official campaign announcement…

After months of consideration and with the constant urging of his supporters, Mike Lapointe has decided to run again for Congress in District 2, this time as a Democrat. Mr. Lapointe explains his reasoning this way:

“I realize both the political reality we live in and the growing support for my candidacy among those who still cannot commit to vote outside their party, fearing that doing so would allow a Republican Party candidate to win the seat.

“People and parties are often slow to accept change, but most scientists agree that time to make change for the better in our country is running out and our present Congressional Representative in the 2nd CD, Rick Larsen, the incumbent, has shown he is not up to the task. His record speaks for itself. Mr. Larsen has failed to champion the goals of The Washington States Democratic Party Platform. As the new Congressional Representative in District 2 I will correct that situation”.

In the past two elections Mr. Lapointe ran as an Independent, for the people. He was a leader of the Occupy Everett movement and wanted the 99% to know they came first. People over parties and politics, is still his rallying cry.
Mike is unabashedly a progressive, but believes that solutions to the major issues facing us require cooperation, rather than confrontation. He will continue to be a champion of the 99% and realizes that running as a Democrat will not bar him from being that champion. Unlike Rick Larsen who relies heavily on corporate contributions, Mike will accept contributions only from people and the unions that represent them.

Mike will work with Democratic Party officials for the benefit of the working class base and represent the interests of citizens across the social-economic spectrum to foster the growth of a healthy middle class. He feels that the incumbent is more beholden to the Boeings and his other corporate donors than to the party faithful. Mr. Lapointe believes that 2nd CD Democrats deserve better.

Mr. Lapointe stated: “I am running as a Democrat for Congress to bring back true representation for the people in the district and will reach out to all my constituents in this campaign with my message. Clearly, my views follow closely those expressed in the Platform of the Democratic State Party-much more so than do the views of the Democratic Party incumbent. I am diametrically opposed to both the TPP and the Gateway Pacific Coal Terminal. Unlike the overwhelming majority of 2nd CD Democrats, Rick Larsen is a champion of both.

“As the Campaign progresses, I will be focusing on these and other areas to illustrate that my views are much more in line with those of the Democratic rank and file than his. I look forward to the coming campaign and the opportunity to discuss the issues, receive feedback, and propose solutions to move the District forward. We can make a difference. Future generations deserve nothing less”.

Together…We Win! Stand!
Lapointe for Congress
2727 Colby Ave
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: 425-610-9601