While ultra-liberal King County's dominance of statewide offices in recent elections is alarming and frustration remains high for conservatives, the evening's speakers agreed that conservatives and the Republican party ought never abandon their principles, especially on the issues of Human Life, Marriage and Limited Government.

There was also strong consensus that conservative involvement in local governments in the coming months will be more critical than ever as cities, towns and counties look for common sense ways to cope with the oftentimes oppressive federal and state policies and programs foisted on them by the so-called "progressive" Democrat majorities that remain in Olympia and Washington D.C.

Senator Val Stevens urged attendees to take heart, even though Washington State somehow avoided the big conservative wave that swept the country in November. She noted how much the 39th Legislative District has changed in recent years due to hard work and local conservative activism. The 39th, once dominated by leftists Hans Dunshee and Kevin Quigley, is now under the leadership of three solidly conservative, pro-life, pro-family values conservatives.

Stevens noted another Western Washington bright spot in the 42nd Legislative District, where north Whatcom County voters turned out liberal Democrat Kelly Linville, and Republicans swept the district, electing three solid conservatives to the State legislature in Vincent Buys, Jason Overstreet and Doug Erickson.

Another bright spot in November was the election of Mark Hargrove, who defeated a very angry liberal incumbent (State Rep. Geoff Simpson) in the 47th District. Representatives-elect Hargrove and Overstreet were in attendance Tuesday evening and both were warmly received by the crowd.

Clint Didier urged dinner attendees to "get involved in the political process" and to not be intimidated by the liberal media's hostility toward conservative candidates. Clint also noted with pride that his daughter Brandie was recently elected Vice-Chair of the Franklin County Republican Party.

Ken Hutcherson gave a rousing speech urging conservatives to continue to stand strong in opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, and to boldly resist the tyrants of political correctness.

State Representative Matt Shea, a rising star in the Republican Party, inspired the crowd with his powerful speaking style and presentation of his ambitious legislative agenda for the coming year.

"DEFENDER OF WASHINGTON FAMILIES" 2010 ELLEN CRASWELL LEGACY AWARD WINNER STEVE PIDGEON

Everett Attorney Stephen Pidgeon received the Ellen Craswell Legacy Award on Tuesday evening, which was presented by Dr. Bruce Craswell, a Washington Values Alliance board member and the husband of the late and much beloved Senator Ellen Craswell.

"The award goes to the person who best exemplifies the title 'Defender of Washington State Families.' Steve Pidgeon was named this year's winner because of the outstanding legal work he has done in preventing Washington State from releasing the names and addresses of individuals who signed the Referendum 71 petition to repeal Washington's 'everything but marriage' domestic partnership law," said Larry Stickney, President of the Washington Values Alliance.

Several opposition groups threatened to post the names of the petition signers on the Internet in an effort to "encourage uncomfortable conversations with petition signers." Similar efforts around the country have resulted in death threats, property damage, and other harassment directed at supporters of traditional marriage.

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