RENTON -

Pierce County Executive and Democratic Attorney General candidate John Ladenburg addressed a crowd of precinct officers, candidates and party activists at the monthly King County Democrats meeting Tuesday night at the Carpenter's Union Hall in Renton. In what was mostly a stripped down, introductory stump speech, Ladenburg presented himself to the base as a fighter for party principles with a long history of achievement for the public and the little guy.

As a child Ladenburg had fifteen siblings, only one adopted, and a hard-working outdoor electrician father whose union membership kept wages high enough to put food on the table. The most enduring lesson Ladenburg learned from the man, "a hard core unionist and hard core Democrat," was to "never cross a picket line and never vote Republican."

Ladenburg highlighted his resume as an attorney at his personal law firm, a Tacoma City Councilman, Pierce County Prosecutor, and finally as Pierce County Executive. He said it was through these diverse experiences that he "learned how real it is for people to have a good lawyer"

The Pierce County Executive also talked about his specific experience working on environmental issues increasing water standards for Tacoma and making composting and recycling a major priority in Pierce County to the point where it was one of the most prolific recyclers in the nation.

But the night was not simply dedicated to getting-to-know-you words. Politics was sure to creep its way onto the stage. Ladenburg repeatedly pointed out to the Democrats in the room that his election was important because of the issues at hand over the next few years.

"There is no doubt the Supreme Court wants to overturn Roe v. Wade," Ladenburg told the audience. "With me as Attorney General it will be that the Washington constitution protects Roe v. Wade regardless of the United States Constitution."

Meanwhile he brought attention to his opponent, Attorney General Rob McKenna's, unclear stance on the issue by calling him "multiple choice" on abortion, reminiscent of Ted Kennedy's zinger toward Mitt Romney back in 1994.

Ladenburg also asserted that Washington state continues to be in the lowest third of the nation for identity theft despite McKenna's focus on the issue, and called McKenna wrong on I-872 and on tort reform. The Democrat suggested that he would be better at solving the state's problems with a combination of ensuring better risk management by the state and using resources wisely by going after the right people, and reiterated that he had the record to prove it.

Ultimately, though, the theme of the night was about one candidate declaring that his election was in the best interest of the people.

"Who is going to protect those who can't afford a $100 an hour lawyer?" Ladenburg asked rhetorically to great cheer. "Why don't we make that the Attorney General?"