For the Reporter

Grassroots organization Auburn WA Flip Congressional District 8 hosts a candidate forum on March 16 for three candidates running to fill retiring Congressman Dave Reichert’s seat.

The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the William C. Warren Building, 405 E. St. NE, Auburn, and also will be live streamed for those who cannot attend.

The moderator-led forum will feature Democratic candidates Shannon Hader, Brayden Olson, Jason Rittereiser and Kim Schrier in a roundtable format where the candidates will identify their ties to the district, discuss their stances on key issues affecting residents, and share their vision as to how they could best serve this diverse region in Congress.

The Democratic candidates — all political newcomers — are competing to reach the top-two primary in August. On the Republican side, former state senator and three-time statewide candidate Dino Rossi is running.

An opportunity for the audience to meet and greet the participants will directly follow the forum, and the organization will also send an informal SurveyMonkey survey to attendees after the event.

“Right now we face critical challenges to our privacy, welfare and success,” said James Jeyaraj, founder of the Auburn WA Flip Congressional District 8 group. “Now more than ever we elect a candidate with experience, vision and strength who embodies the values and priorities of everyday Washingtonians and who won’t sacrifice everyday Americans to improve corporate bottom lines.”

Tickets are free and available online. Organizers will accept contributions to help defray costs at the event. Surplus funds will be donated to the Auburn Food Bank.

Auburn WA Flip Congressional District 8 is comprised of Auburn residents whose purpose it is to elect a Democratic candidate in the WA CD8 who reflects the values and priorities of working Auburn families.