The Baumgartner Watch

Clint Rehn and Thomas Schmerer on the lookout at the Baumgartner Watch

US Rep. Michael Baugmartner came to Walla Walla this morning, had four private meetings, and tried to avoid contact with the general public or voters.

Nonetheless, the Walla Walla Democrats and constituents were delighted to let Michael know what they thought of the job he's been doing as our Congressman for the last 126 days. Here is Kari Isaacson’s report from the picket line.

With the helpful Union-Bulletin article, we knew the Congressman was in town and planned to stop at the Walla Walla High School, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the VAMedical Center. 

The promised interview with the UB, for which the newspaper solicited questions from the public, started at 9:30 am - we were outside at 9 am just in case.  On his way into the building, we asked the elusive Congressman questions like "where are your town hall meetings?" to which he replied "I've had seven!" before disappearing through the doors. 

We counted three that we knew of, one of which was in Walla Walla at a private business with limited capacity and no public notice, which didn’t seem to qualify as a “town hall” meeting.

We organized so that we could track his progress across town.  We decided against protesting at WaHi, although at least one brave community member decided to do so.  We followed him to the VA but arrived too late. 

We were totally prepared for his visit to the Army Corps of Engineers and were able to shout out questions to him as he hustled by us.  I felt like a member of the press corps trying to get a politician to answer a question. 

There was drama today, more so than I have experienced in the recent past.  Most public reactions were positive - people drove by and honked, smiled, gave us the thumbs up.  We've experienced only muted pushback in the past.  Today, there were several strong negative opinions expressed by either dedicated Trump supporters or by people who really don't like public protests. 

Henry C., known as the “chalk guy” showed up when we protested at the Army Corps. Instead of videoing us protestors as he usually does, he videoed the security at the entrance to the building. 

These people did not like that at all - Henry was actually shoved by one of the people from the Corps building.  It was shocking.  I heard later that city police were called and escorted him off the premises.

Members of the organized protest group did not go onto Corps grounds.  Police were being called by other protestors.   I am not sure what transpired then except that our people were okay. 

For those of you who wished you could have been there, there will be many other opportunities to protest Trump's lawlessness and cuts to critical Federal programs that affect the most vulnerable.  Today’s actions came together in the last 48 hours.  

In the future, check TeamReach for the Walla Walla Activism Network calendar of events. Download the free TeamReach app from either the Apple or Android app store. Then, select Join Group and enter WallaNetwork25 as the group code.

The Walla Walla Democrats’ website has an Events Calendar, which we try to keep current.

Kari Isaacson, Chair, Walla Walla Democrats