Peter Goldmark

Peter Goldmark was the Democratic Party nominee for the 5th Congressional district in Washington. He unsuccessfully ran against Republican Cathy McMorris.

Biography
Peter J. Goldmark is the wealthy owner and operator of a 7,000-acre farm (Double J. Ranch, Inc.). He also is the founder and chief scientist of a biotechnology research laboratory, DJR Research, Inc., in Okanogan, Washington. Currently he serves on the Washington State University Board of Regents. His current term ends in 2007. He has published papers in national and international scientific journals on plant molecular genetics and currently runs a wheat breeding program for crop improvement.

2006 House Race
While incumbent Cathy McMorris was hailed as a rising star and a heavy favorite for re-election, the increasing visibility Goldmark's campaign prompted CQPolitics.com, in late August, to change its rating on the race to Republican Favored from Safe Republican. As they explain, "the rating change means that McMorris is still likely to win re-election, but that Goldmark has demonstrated he will provide her with serious competition." Although partisan polls have showed the race all over the map, recent unbiased polls have shown McMorris beating Goldmark by only 5% with a week to go until the election. This is staggering considering she defeated Don Barbieri, a well financed democrat, by 20% in 2004. The Democratic Congressional Compaign Committee also designed the race as one of their "Red To Blue" races, where close races are targeted for donations and support. Goldmark has demonstarted he is a serious candidate and will provide McMorris with a strong chanllenge on election day.

McMorris ultimately defeated Goldmark 56.4% to 43.6% to retain her seat.

Controversy
Although Peter Goldmark repeated his pledge not to accept any gifts from lobbyists during his campaign, he accepted over $202,000 in PAC money from lobbyists during the campaign. 

Committees and Affiliations

 * Advisory Board, William D. Ruckelshaus Center

Resources

 * Peter Goldmark for Congress, official campaign site.

Campaign contact information
Email: info@VotePeterGoldmark.com Phone: (509) 838-4888 Fax: (509) 747-2468 Mailing address: PO Box 1512 Spokane, WA 99210

Campaign Headquarters: 151 South Washington Spokane, WA 99201