Teresa Heinz-Kerry Leads Democratic Rally In Seattle

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By By KOMO Staff & News Services

Summary

The wife of Sen. John Kerry spoke at length about her hopes for change in the country.

Story Published: Jul 16, 2004 at 4:28 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:31 AM PDT

Teresa Heinz-Kerry Leads Democratic Rally In Seattle
SEATTLE - "Bush on Mars in 2004" bumper stickers were offered for sale and Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of the Democratic presidential candidate, was the featured speaker at a Democratic fund-raising rally Friday.

Gov. Gary Locke and gubernatorial contenders Ron Sims and Christine Gregoire also addressed a crowd of about 800 partisans who paid $50 per ticket.

Heinz Kerry, wife of Sen. John Kerry, spoke at length about her hopes for change in the country.

The rally at the state convention center was a fund-raiser for the governor's race, with the winner of September's Democratic primary - either Attorney General Gregoire or King County Executive Sims - receiving the proceeds.

Around $40,000 was raised, said Sam Rodriguez, Washington state director for the Kerry campaign.

Heinz Kerry talked about the need for leaders who can inspire, while building a country that is stronger and safer at home and respected around the world.

"... We have got to recreate, give a rebirth to the great spirit of this country," she said, "for the sake of our kids, for the sake of the world and peace."

On Thursday, Heinz Kerry met with cancer patients at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance on the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center campus, and participated a health care round table discussion.

She brought up her views on health and wellness again Friday, but also spoke on education, the environment, oil dependency and the war in Iraq.

"Don't ever send a child to war because of our dependency on oil, ever," Heinz Kerry said.

Gregoire received a rousing ovation. She spoke of the importance of the presidential election before focusing on her platform of educational opportunities, job growth and health care.

Sims talked about the need for tax reform in the state. He added he was tired of reading about the recent trend of several state colleges having to turn away transfer students.

And both took their shots at the Bush administration.

"November will be so sublime, so sublime, to see the end of George W. Bush," Sims said.

Locke, the Democratic incumbent, is not seeking a third term as governor.

Dino Rossi, the Republican front-runner for governor, had a fund-raising event scheduled Friday evening with Republican governors in town for this weekend's National Governors Association meeting.