Denny Heck · [email protected]

November 6, 2024 at 11:37 PM

With all my heart, thank you for your support

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John, Here are my thoughts the day after Election Day: First and foremost, thank you! Thank you for your powerful vote that gave us another four years to work for Washingtonians. I love this work, and I cannot imagine a bigger blessin…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

November 4, 2024 at 5:56 PM

A love affair with elections

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: Hours to go now. Are you ready for the election to be over? (Goodness, help those who want it to go on longer!) The work will continue until 8 o'clock tomorrow night. Nonetheless, I find myself reflecting on this, the most conse…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

October 31, 2024 at 5:23 PM

And before you finish reading, your battery dies.

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Picture it, John: A graveyard on a dark night, with the light of a rising moon, soon obscured by roving clouds. As you wander through the maze of mausoleums and towering headstones, you realize the entrance gate is out of sight. You're los…

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  Paula Heck · [email protected]

October 26, 2024 at 5:38 PM

Denny may be surprised, but I'm not

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: You haven't heard from me much — campaigning is not my thing and I try to stay behind the scenes. Consider this a surprise present for Denny! He'll be surprised. I've had a front row seat throughout Denny's career. Lots of diff…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

October 18, 2024 at 10:14 PM

Oh the shame!

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: Voting sure looks different today than it did the first time I ran for office. That was in the fourth grade when I ran for office in Mrs. Bergren's class. We made posters and talked to our friends. On "Election Day" we stood up …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

October 9, 2024 at 5:01 PM

Let’s not become a bad example

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John, Long, complicated, important, and even critical. That's the best way to describe the ballot that will land in your mailbox next week. My name will be on it, and I would very much appreciate your support. But that's not why I am …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

September 26, 2024 at 5:46 PM

BAM!—an angry Sasquatch appears

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Let me tell you about the greatest commercial that never was, John. We open on a breathtaking vista overlooking the Olympic Mountains, then slowly zoom in on a man standing on a mountain peak, gripping the flagstaff of the Washington state…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

September 17, 2024 at 4:27 PM

Those words have never rung so true

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, On this day, back in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was leaving the Constitutional Convention and was asked what type of government they had formed. He responded: "A Republic, if you can keep it." An astute reader will recognize this story …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

September 10, 2024 at 7:04 PM

Dew points and zombie fires

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     What says "The End of Summer" for you, John? Labor Day barbecues? A final camping trip? Start of school? First rainy day of September? Arrival of pumpkin spice menus? Or what about orange sunlight at noon? From late-July all the way to mid…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

September 2, 2024 at 5:26 PM

The final sprint is about to start

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, When I ran for the Washington state House of Representatives for the first time, I was nervous, just like every first-time candidate. But I knew what I needed to do in order to win. It was a lot of listening to people, having thousan…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

August 20, 2024 at 7:48 PM

We are going forward

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: The Democratic National Convention is underway. Are you excited about any part of it? Any speakers in particular? I am. I was excited to see President Biden last night have a chance to savor the considerable fruits of his admi…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

August 16, 2024 at 4:14 PM

We can still do big things.

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, Americans have always done "Big Things." We went to the moon, built the transcontinental railway and interstate highway system, created soaring skyscrapers, invented the best personal computers, and led the way on countless other ach…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

August 8, 2024 at 8:50 PM

A Super Tuesday

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, Tuesday, Election Day, was quite a day. You might even say it was a Super Tuesday. I woke up early — 6-ish — and grabbed my iPad, immediately going to the Seattle Times website. Right before me was a large picture of Tim Walz and the…

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  Paula Heck · [email protected]

July 29, 2024 at 4:24 PM

Help me wish Denny happy birthday!

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: I don't usually write you. In fact, I haven't ever written to you at all. Retired English teacher notwithstanding, I don't do much "public" stuff, even emails. But today is different and special — it's Denny's birthday. And I'm …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

July 17, 2024 at 4:22 PM

“Why do you want to run for office?”

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, We are just weeks away from the primary election, and in an open primary system like ours, an endorsement matters. It helps voters learn more about a candidate and their priorities. In 2020, I was proud to be endorsed by the editoria…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

July 15, 2024 at 8:21 PM

A Fraction of a Second

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: A fraction of a second's difference and the tragic event in Butler, PA would have turned out even more horrific. Former President Trump turned his head to gesture toward a large, graphic board at the very instant a bullet grazed…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

July 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM

I expect better from the courts, and you should too

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, When the founders signed the Declaration of Independence, they didn't have everything figured out. Far from it. Medicaid wasn't around, the interstate highways were still more than a century away, and modern America would have been i…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

June 25, 2024 at 5:09 PM

An informed electorate is a voting electorate

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     We are less than two months away from the primary election, John! But — and this may shock you — some voters in Washington haven't heard of me! Luckily, over the next month and a half, we will be reaching out to voters statewide and fillin…

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  Bob Heck · [email protected]

June 16, 2024 at 8:33 PM

Father’s Day – as both a son and father

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Hi John, My name is Bob and Denny is my dad. He is also my best friend. He's also the best pillow I ever had. Growing up, Father's Day was special to me because it meant celebrating my dad. Usually, we "celebrated" by giving him an extra…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

June 13, 2024 at 4:21 PM

There are no sea monsters in Long Beach (Anymore!)

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, Growing up, it was always a treat when my folks would pack the station wagon and take us out to the Washington Coast. My older siblings – Sandy, Bob and Jerry – and I would jump out of the car and race to the beach. Well, after we go…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

June 7, 2024 at 5:01 PM

There is no other way to drive out hate

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Happy Pride Month, John! Each June, cities across Washington hold festivals, parades, and countless events to celebrate love, humanity, and those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights. I still remember hearing about the Stonewall riots — the violen…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

May 27, 2024 at 6:32 PM

Rest in peace, Marine

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor       Sgt. Robert “Bob” Heck May 1947 to December 1981 R.I.P. Marine       Paid for by Heck for Lt. Governor (D)     This email was sent by Denny Heck for Lt. Governor Heck for Lt. Governor (D)PO Box 235Olympia, …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

May 17, 2024 at 4:58 PM

Separate was never equal

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, At the kitchen table, my father always told us: "They can take everything away from you. But not your education. So get one!" This was coming from a man who at the age of 14 had to end his education to help save the family farm, so e…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

May 11, 2024 at 8:02 PM

Filing Week Surprise!

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: Filing for public office ended yesterday. The field is set. Every election brings surprises. This year is no exception. And the surprise? There are a remarkable number of candidates for Lieutenant Governor. I mean remarkable! Yo…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

May 7, 2024 at 6:30 PM

Who is your Most Memorable Teacher?

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John – Today is Teacher Appreciation Day, and you can count me as someone infinitely appreciative. (And that's not just because I am married to a teacher.) I had teachers throughout my life who made a difference, who helped me understand…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

May 2, 2024 at 8:33 PM

May is…

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Why do we observe Mental Health Awareness Month? Because nearly 60 million Americans live with mental illness — that is one in five Americans — yet countless people still do not understand what that means. Folks attach stigmas, act in fear…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

April 20, 2024 at 5:41 PM

Pillow. Blanket. Roof.

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: If a person doesn't have a pillow to lay their head on at night, a blanket to keep themselves warm, and a roof over their head to keep the rain off, then every other issue in their life will be more challenging. Because whether …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

April 12, 2024 at 4:46 PM

I remember it like yesterday...

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: I remember it like yesterday. When I walked onto the campus of the brand new Evergreen State College, it was still under construction, but I arrived early to get a summer job from one of the building contractors. My glamorous re…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

April 4, 2024 at 5:45 PM

Darkness cannot drive out darkness

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, I was almost 16 – a sophomore at Columbia River High School in Vancouver—when Martin Luther King was assassinated in April 1968, but I still remember the grief of our nation. Dr. King was a great man. He preached peace, civil disobe…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

April 1, 2024 at 10:01 PM

Thousands of Washingtonians

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     The results are in, John: the Affordable Care Act worked. When I was growing up, our family had insurance because my parents were union members, and the unions had fought hard for health insurance. Back then, union membership was high, an…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

March 22, 2024 at 4:59 PM

My relationship with my mom was, well, complicated

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     We need Women's History month for so many reasons, John: to celebrate the women who invented, innovated, and inspired throughout history; to commemorate the women who led revolutionary change time and again in the United States and around …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

March 12, 2024 at 4:49 PM

Worst Arnold Schwarzenegger Role?

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: The legal freeze on fundraising during the legislative session is over! (For the lucky ones who have blocked the painful memory, that picture is Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze in Batman and Robin, 1997). No doubt you haven…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

March 8, 2024 at 6:17 PM

"Smooth, orderly and productive"

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: Just like that, the Washington Legislature adjourned last night, Sine Die. On time. And before the sun had set, for a change! "Smooth, orderly and productive" is how one long-time observer described it. It was the "short session…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

March 5, 2024 at 5:52 PM

Freedoms that we long held as sacred are weakening

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, I was born in 1952, as America and the world were emerging from a devastating war. Times weren't always easy. But, thanks to the perseverance and hard work of my mother and father – and the strength of the labor movement– we had enou…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

February 16, 2024 at 7:25 PM

I’m not optimistic, but I am very hopeful

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     These days, two things keep me up at night, John: Climate change and the global rise of authoritarianism. When I head into work each day, I think about what the state Senate can do to mitigate these problems. On my way home each evening, I…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

February 6, 2024 at 6:04 PM

We shouldn't wait another four and a half minutes

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, Oftentimes, our public institutions lag in their responses to urgent social problems. The poster case for that is the opioid crisis. By now, the magnitude of this emergency is well known. Every 4 and one-half minutes, that's how oft…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

January 20, 2024 at 7:20 PM

“A republic . . . if you can keep it.” — Ben Franklin

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: 24%. Nearly 1 in 4! That's the number, according to a recent Elway poll, of Washingtonians who have stopped talking with either a friend or relative "because of politics." I think that's tragic. Here's what I know: Democracy …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

January 16, 2024 at 10:26 PM

And just like that: Bam!

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John: Perhaps you remember the signature catchphrase of the famous American chef Emeril? It was a loud and sudden "Bam!" That's how it felt to start this year's 60-day legislative session. Bam! Opening day ceremonies. Bills passing ou…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

January 6, 2024 at 5:02 PM

Yours in hope,

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, Three years ago today, I had already packed my bags and returned home from my eight years in Congress. That day, I was in the State Senate chambers doing a dry run of my new duties as President of the Senate. The session started the …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

December 29, 2023 at 5:27 PM

Let’s give to our local community today:

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Happy holidays, John. Like a lot of folks, I take some time during this season not only to enjoy time with family and friends, but to think on holidays past, count my blessings, and to serve others. My Christmas photo album is longer than …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

December 8, 2023 at 9:11 PM

Astounding grassroots involvement

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor       John, We only have a few hours left until our deadline, and I have some good news: In just the last week we've seen more than 100 people donate to our campaign. Grassroots involvement like this is astounding, inspiring, and humbling. Lasting cha…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

December 7, 2023 at 5:09 PM

This race is going to be crowded, John

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     I have a quick message for you, John, but I need you to read this first. We are on a fundraising deadline. After Friday at 11:59 p.m., we can no longer raise money because of the legislative session. But we have an uphill battle in 2024, a…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

December 2, 2023 at 5:07 PM

This is when I knew I was running for reelection

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John – When folks ask me if they should run for office, I always ask them: "Why would you want to?" The question catches a lot of people off guard – after all, it seems like a question I should know the answer to. But here's why I ask: be…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

November 20, 2023 at 5:41 PM

This is what climate leadership looks like:

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     The hottest year, John. The average temperature for 2023 has been hotter than any year on record. That is bad news for our climate. But what's worse is that the extreme heat points to the acceleration of climate change. We're facing an unp…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

November 11, 2023 at 6:06 PM

Today is Veterans’ Day. And this is Bob:

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John, Today is Veterans' Day. And this is Bob: Bob was an outstanding high school athlete. He received multiple scholarship offers when he graduated in 1965. But he grew restless after high school and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

November 5, 2023 at 6:14 PM

What can we do in 365 days?

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     What can we do in 365 days, John? That's a big question! In the course of a year, you can do just about anything if you put your mind to it. You can learn to speak elementary Portuguese, or how to play guitar. You could start a new company…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

October 26, 2023 at 8:15 PM

Two years, a bipartisan coalition, and a lot of gusto

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Here's something I am proud of, John: In 1993, Stan Marshburn and I started TVW — the first cable network in Washington state to offer unedited coverage of Washington state's government, politics, and public policy. At the time, local news…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

October 20, 2023 at 4:06 PM

What do you believe about leadership?

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John — Congress is at a crossroads. It can move towards division and extremism or towards civility and leadership — put another way: Congress must choose either to get nothing done or to lead for the hard working families they represent. …

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

October 5, 2023 at 4:16 PM

More than four walls and roof

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     John – I not only want to tell you more about why I work so hard on housing, but I also want to fill you in on the progress we've made. So often, housing policy is detached from what a home really is – a safe place, a place for family – a…

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  Denny Heck · [email protected]

September 26, 2023 at 5:30 PM

It’s about the values that motivate us.

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor     Dear John, I now have an opponent. Well, actually, I have two. I would call this a pointed reminder that we are facing an upcoming reelection campaign. So, like in every campaign before this, we will not take anything for granted. We will …

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