Excuses, excuses: Why key Republicans passed on Trump rally

EVERETT — Few Republican office-holders in this area were as excited about Donald Trump’s visit to Everett as state Sen. Kirk Pearson of Monroe.

“The Trump train is coming through Everett,” Pearson proclaimed when the news first broke. “All aboard.”

Yet many of the Grand Old Party’s elected voices in cities, the county and the state Legislature passed on this political excursion. Family, work and campaigning were the reasons why.

“Dude, it’s my birthday.” —Dave Hayes, Camano Island state representative.

“I coach pee wee football so I will be at practice.” —Ken Klein, Snohomish County councilman.

“Work certainly is in the way. I don’t get out of Seattle early enough to do that.” —Scott Bader, Everett City Council.

“I have no plans to attend. I have a busy day, though. Lots of meetings.” —Dave Earling, Edmonds mayor.

“Don’t read anything into it. If I did have a free night, it’s not something I’d enjoy doing.” —Jon Nehring, Marysville mayor.

“I will be in Olympia for staff and caucus meetings,” —Dan Kristiansen of Snohomish, House Minority Leader.

“I have meetings all day long. They were planned long before the event was scheduled.” —Barbara Bailey, Oak Harbor, state senator.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to go. I am working. I’m not sure.” —Sam Low, Lake Stevens City Council president and Republican candidate for Snohomish County Council.

“It is much more useful for candidates running for the state Legislature to talk with the people about issues they care about.” —Chad Minnick on why Rep. Mark Harmsworth of Mill Creek and Janice Huxford, a Lake Stevens businesswoman running for state representative, opted not to attend. Minnick manages their campaigns.

“I made the decision close to two years ago that since I am Secretary of State I shouldn’t be endorsing any presidential candidate. Thus I thought it would be inappropriate to show up.” —Kim Wyman, secretary of state and the only Republican holding statewide office in Washington.