HeraldNet: Democratic candidate facing criminal charge



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The Petri Dish

May 9, 2008

Democratic candidate facing criminal charge

Posted at 10:34 am by Jerry Cornfield

The Democratic challenger to Republican Sen. Val Stevens is facing a challenge of his own.

Fred Walser, the former Sultan police chief and retired state trooper, was charged Thursday with providing false information to a public servant. It is a gross misdemeanor.

The single charge stems from his job in Sultan and is the result of months of investigation compiled into an 800-page police report.

Read the full story in today's Herald.

I spoke with Walser this morning to find out if he might pull out of the race.

“No,” he said. “I’m pleading not guilty, doing what my attorney says and hopefully this will be over quickly.

“I’ve served the public for 40 years and this is the only issue that’s arisen. What I’ve tried to do in my career should not be overshadowed by what’s happened in Sultan.”

Will he withdraw if convicted?

“No. I am highly electable and the best candidate out there."

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Walser is Delusional

I’ve served the public for 40 years and this is the only issue that’s arisen. What I’ve tried to do in my career should not be overshadowed by what’s happened in Sultan.

Wow. Not only is his statement not true, it's disturbing. He just brushes off the fact that he's been charged with a crime. Imagine the ego it takes to think like that.

I think his record and character are important things to look at. It may have taken 40 years to completely catch up to him, but it's clear now that Fred Walser is not the type of person we want serving us in the legislature.
Kristin Gathaway | May 10, 2008 12:59 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal

History of Corruption & Abuse of Power
This is not the first time Fred Walser has violated the public trust during his time in office. In 2003, he was accused of sexually assaulting a female subordinate and placed on administrative leave:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/122083_sultan15.html

Fred Walser is a crooked old man. He should not be a candidate for the state senate. The Democrats can do much better than him.
Chris Mercer | May 10, 2008 12:33 pm | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal

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