Dave Reichert
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Washington's 8th district
In office
January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2019
Preceded byJennifer Dunn
Succeeded byKim Schrier
30th Sheriff of King County
In office
March 5, 1997 – January 3, 2005
Preceded byJames Montgomery
Succeeded bySue Rahr
Personal details
Born
David George Reichert

(1950-08-29) August 29, 1950
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJulie Reichert
Children3
EducationConcordia University, Oregon (AA)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Air Force
Years of service1971–1976
UnitAir Force Reserve Command emblem U.S. Air Force Reserve

David George Reichert (/ˈraɪkərt/ RY-kərt; born August 29, 1950) is an American politician, former law enforcement officer, and former member of the Air Force Reserve who served as the U.S. representative for Washington's 8th congressional district from 2005 to 2019. He is a Republican and a former elected Sheriff of King County, Washington. In September 2017, Reichert announced that he would retire from Congress after his seventh term.[1]

In June 2023, Reichert filed paperwork to run for Washington Governor in 2024.[2][3][4]

Early life, education, and military career

Reichert was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, the son of Marlys Ann (née Troeger) and George F. Reichert.[5] He is the eldest of seven children and a grandson of the town marshal.[6] His family moved to Washington in 1951, living first in Renton, then later moving to Kent, where he attended Kent Meridian High School. In 1968, he graduated and went to Concordia Lutheran College in Portland, Oregon on a partial football scholarship. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in social work in 1970.[7]

In 1971 he joined the Air Force Reserves' 939th Military Airlift Group. He saw active duty for six months and served until 1976.[8]

Law enforcement career

Reichert talks about crime prevention

Reichert began serving with the King County sheriff's office in 1972.[9] He was a member of the Green River Task Force, formed to track down the "Green River killer" aided by the infamous Ted Bundy.[10] In 2001, DNA evidence identified Gary Leon Ridgway as the Green River killer.[9] In 2004, Reichert published the memoir Chasing the Devil: My Twenty-Year Quest to Capture the Green River Killer.[11]

In 1971, during his second year in law enforcement, Reichert responded to a domestic violence call in which a knife-wielding man was attempting to kill his wife. During this, Reichert's throat was slit by the attacker, which required stitches and surgery.[12] In an interview, Reichert said of the incident, "I was able to save [the wife], and we got into a scuffle and fell over a coffee table in the living room, and he slit my throat with a butcher knife, ending up with forty-five stitches in my neck."[13] He was awarded with one of his two Medals of Valor for his bravery.

In 1997, he was appointed sheriff of King County, Washington, by King County Executive Ron Sims.[9] In 2001, he ran unopposed for a second four-year term.[14]

Reichert served as president of the Washington State Sheriffs Association.[6] He was an executive board member of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.[6]

In 2004, Reichert won the 2004 National Sheriffs' Association's Sheriff of the Year award, two valor awards, and the Washington State Attorney General's Award for courageous action.[6]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2004

In 2004, Reichert ran for Congress. In the Republican primary debate, he bowed out, due to other Republican primary candidates not adhering to the so-called Republican 11th commandment.[15][16]

He defeated his Democratic opponent, KIRO talk show host Dave Ross, in the 2004 election, 52% to 47%. He replaced retiring Republican Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn.

At the same time, the Democratic presidential nominee, Senator John Kerry won, 51% to 48%, against President George W. Bush in the 8th district. That made Reichert one of just 17 House Republicans elected in a district that also voted for the Democratic candidate for the presidency.[17]

ARMPAC, a political action committee of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, donated $20,000 to his election campaign.[18][19]

2006

He faced Democratic candidate Darcy Burner in November 2006; he was re-elected with 51% of the vote.[20]

2008

In a repeat of the 2006 election matchup, he faced Democratic candidate Darcy Burner. He won the general election with 53% of the vote to Darcy Burner's 47%.[21]

2010

He was challenged by Democratic candidate Suzan DelBene. [22] He won re-election with 52% of the vote.

2012

He was challenged by Democratic candidate Karen Porterfield, and won with almost 60% of the vote.[23]

2014

He was challenged by Democratic candidate Jason Ritchie, and won with 63% of the vote.[24]

2016

He was challenged by Democratic candidate Tony Ventrella, and won with 60% of the vote.[25]

Committee assignments

Dave Reichert (left) discusses port security, 2005

[26] [27]

Caucus memberships

Political positions

Reichert was a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership.[33] Reichert was ranked as the 21st most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives (out of 435) during the 114th United States Congress (and the most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington) in the Bipartisan Index created by The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy that ranks members of the United States Congress by their degree of bipartisanship (by measuring the frequency each member's bills attract co-sponsors from the opposite party and each member's co-sponsorship of bills by members of the opposite party).[34]

Civil rights

Reichert was one of 15 Republican House members to vote in favor of repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", the ban on openly gay military service personnel.[35][36]

In 2017, Reichert declared his support for Executive Order 13769, which imposed a temporary ban on citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries entering the U.S. He stated that "My first and most important job is protecting families in our region and the American people ... We must be absolutely certain we have systems in place capable of thoroughly vetting anyone applying for refugee status on American soil."[37]

Budget, debt, and spending

While he was not present at the vote on the Ryan Budget,[38] he intended to vote for it but was in Washington state for the death of his mother.[39] However, he did vote for the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act[40] and the Budget Control Act of 2011.[41] Both acts required Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment prior to raising the United States debt ceiling. This was supported primarily by Republicans and opposed by Democrats.[42] In the final vote to lift the debt ceiling, until 2013, he voted with the Republican majority in favor.[43]

Crime

Reichert supported reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.[44]

He was the main sponsor of the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Improving Opportunities for Youth in Foster Care Act, a bill which would require states to take action to address the problem of sex trafficking of foster care children.[45][46]

Drug reform

On March 4, 2014, Reichert introduced the Preserving Welfare for Needs Not Weed Act (H.R. 4137; 113th Congress), a bill that would prevent the use of electronic benefit transfer cards in businesses that sell marijuana.[47]

Presidential tax returns

In February 2017, while serving on the Ways and Means Committee, he voted against a measure that would have led to a request of the Treasury Department for President Donald Trump's tax returns.[48]

Health care

Reichert favored repealing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).[49][50] Reichert was one of only 20 Republicans to vote against the American Health Care Act of 2017 (also known as Trumpcare).[51]

Taxation

Reichert had signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge by the Americans for Tax Reform, a group run by Grover Norquist.[52] The pledge commits the signer to oppose any legislation that raises taxes or eliminates tax deductions. On August 1, 2012, he also voted to extend the Bush tax cuts.

On April 10, 2014, Reichert introduced the Permanent S Corporation Built-in Gains Recognition Period Act of 2014 (H.R. 4453; 113th Congress), a bill that would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce from 10 to 5 years the period during which the built-in gains of an S corporation are subject to tax and to make such reduction permanent.[53][54]

Personal life

He is married to Julie, whom he met in college. They live in Auburn and have three grown children: Angela, Tabitha, and Daniel, and six grandchildren.[55] He is a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.[56]

In 2010, following an injury he sustained from being hit in the head by a tree branch while chopping firewood in his backyard, he developed a subdural hematoma and required emergency surgery.[57]

Electoral history

DatePositionStatusOpponentResultVote shareTop-opponent vote share
1997County sheriffAppointed[9]
2001County sheriffIncumbentRan unopposedElected100%[58]N/A
2004U.S. RepresentativeOpen-seat primaryDiane Tebelius (R), Luke Esser (R), Conrad Lee (R)Nominated45%[59]22% (Tebelius)
2004U.S. RepresentativeOpen-seatDave Ross (D)Elected52%[60]47%
2006U.S. RepresentativeIncumbentDarcy Burner (D)Re-elected51%[61]49%
2008U.S. RepresentativeIncumbentDarcy Burner (D)Re-elected53%[62]47%
2010U.S. RepresentativeIncumbentSuzan DelBene (D)Re-elected52%[63] 48%
2012U.S. RepresentativeIncumbentKaren Porterfield (D)Re-elected60%[64] 40%
2014U.S. RepresentativeIncumbentJason Ritchie (D)Re-elected63%[24] 37%
2016 U.S. Representative Incumbent Tony Ventrella (D) Re-elected 60%[65] 40%

References

  1. ↑ David Weigel (September 6, 2017). "Dave Reichert, a swing seat Republican, will retire from the House". Washington Post.
  2. ↑ "Dave Reichert files for 2024 governor's race". July 2023.
  3. ↑ "Republicans may have front-runner as Dave Reichert files for 2024 governor's race". July 2023.
  4. ↑ Gilbert, L. B. (July 7, 2023). "'We want to unify the state': Dave Reichert says he will run to be Wash. governor". MyNorthwest.com. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Dave Reichert Elected U.S. Representative District 8 Washington". vote-wa.org. Archived from the original on April 26, 2009. Retrieved August 8, 2007.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Congressman Dave Reichert". U.S. House. Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Seattle P-I, LWV Voter's Guide – Dave Reichert". Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
  8. ↑ "Nine New Veterans Join Congress". Veterans of Foreign Wars. Archived from the original on August 14, 2007.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Sims appoints police professional as new King County Sheriff". King County, Washington. March 5, 1997. Archived from the original on October 1, 2000.
  10. ↑ "Ted Bundy Helped Green River Investigation Detective Says Bundy Met With King County Officials Probing Killings". Spokesman.com. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
  11. ↑ Reichert, David (July 28, 2004). Chasing the Devil: My Twenty-Year Quest to Capture the Green River Killer. New York City, NY: Little, Brown and Company. pp. 320. ISBN 978-0316156325. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  12. ↑ KAMB, LEWIS (October 6, 2006). "Reichert touts law record, but critics don't see it his way". seattlepi.com. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  13. ↑ Office Space: Dave Reichert's Washington Precinct, archived from the original on December 21, 2021, retrieved April 7, 2021
  14. ↑ "King County Elections King County Local Voters Pamphlet November 6, 2001 General Election". King County, Washington. 2001. Archived from the original on November 24, 2001.
  15. ↑ Warren Cornwall (September 1, 2004). "Offended by ads, Reichert walks out on forum". Seattle Times.
  16. ↑ Chris McGann (September 1, 2004). "Campaign 2004: Reichert walks out on forum – Citing 'dirty politics,' sheriff refuses to share stage with rivals in race". Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
  17. ↑ Rachel Kapochunas (August 1, 2006). "Updated Forecast: Republican Reichert Faces Tougher Fight in Wash". CQ Politics. Archived from the original on August 22, 2006.
  18. ↑ Alicia Mundy (October 6, 2005). "Hastings says ethics panel won't investigate DeLay". Seattle Times.
  19. ↑ Chris McGann (October 9, 2004). "Campaign 2004: DeLay to help Reichert campaign – Democrats label him 'ethically challenged'". Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
  20. ↑ "Reichert appears headed for victory". The Seattle Times. November 11, 2006. Retrieved August 12, 2008.
  21. ↑ "November 4, 2008 General Election". Washington Secretary of State. Archived from the original on November 27, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2008.
  22. ↑ "Democrats tap DelBene in 8th District congressional race – Bellevue Reporter". Pnwlocalnews.com. February 9, 2010. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
  23. ↑ Reed, Sam. "Congressional District 8 elections". Washington Secretary of State.
  24. 1 2 "Congressional District 8 elections". Washington Secretary of State.
  25. ↑ "Congressional District 8 elections". Washington Secretary of State.
  26. ↑ "Rep. Dave Reichert to chair Ways and Means subcommittee on welfare programs".
  27. ↑ "Dave Reichert for Congress – Washington's 8th Congressional District". Dave Reichert for Congress. Archived from the original on October 29, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  28. ↑ "Members". House Baltic Caucus. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Members". Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
  31. ↑ "90 Current Climate Solutions Caucus Members". Citizen´s Climate Lobby. Retrieved October 20, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Members". U.S. - Japan Caucus. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  33. ↑ "RMSP Members". Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  34. ↑ The Lugar Center - McCourt School Bipartisan Index (PDF), The Lugar Center, March 7, 2016, retrieved April 30, 2017
  35. ↑ Chris Geidner, House Passes DADT Repeal Bill Archived October 21, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Metro Weekly (December 15, 2010).
  36. ↑ House Vote 638 – Repeals 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Archived January 18, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, The New York Times (December 15, 2010).
  37. ↑ Blake, Aaron (January 29, 2017). "Coffman, Gardner join Republicans against President Trump's travel ban; here's where the rest stand". Denver Post. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  38. ↑ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 277". Library of Congress. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  39. ↑ "Reichert Statement on 2012 Budget". U.S. House of Representatives. Archived from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  40. ↑ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 606". Library of Congress. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  41. ↑ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 677". Library of Congress. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  42. ↑ "How Different Types of Republicans Voted on the Revised Debt Plan". The New York Times. August 1, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
  43. ↑ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 690". Library of Congress. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
  44. ↑ Jennifer Bendery (December 11, 2012). "Violence Against Women Act: John Boehner, Eric Cantor Pressured By Republicans To Act". Huffington Post.
  45. ↑ Summary of the "Preventing Sex Trafficking and Improving Opportunities for Youth in Foster Care Act" Archived February 24, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. House Ways and Means Committee (U.S. Congress). February 14, 2014 (Retrieved 2014-02-19)
  46. ↑ "Reichert, Doggett, Introduce Bill to Prevent Child Sex Trafficking" Archived February 24, 2014, at the Wayback Machine (Press release). House Ways and Committee, Chairman Dave Camp (U.S. Congress). February 14, 2014 (Retrieved 2014-02-19)
  47. ↑ Marcos, Cristina (September 16, 2014). "House passes bill to prevent using welfare benefits at marijuana stores". The Hill. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  48. ↑ Friedersdorf, Conor. "These 23 Republicans Passed on a Chance to Get Trump's Tax Returns". The Atlantic. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
  49. ↑ "Rep Reichert: Affordable Care Act Repeal And Replace 'Going To Happen'". Sammamish-Issaquah, WA Patch. February 23, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  50. ↑ "Rep. David Reichert votes on Obamacare". HealthReformVotes.org. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  51. ↑ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 256". Sammamish-Issaquah, WA Patch. May 24, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  52. ↑ "The Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signers 112th Congressional List". Americans for Tax Reform. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  53. ↑ "H.R. 4453 – Summary". United States Congress. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  54. ↑ Marcos, Cristina (June 9, 2014). "This week: Lawmakers to debate appropriations, VA, student loans". The Hill. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  55. ↑ "Congressman Dave Reichert". Archived from the original on August 11, 2007.
  56. ↑ "Congress includes 19 Lutherans". December 27, 2004. Archived from the original on April 27, 2009.
  57. ↑ Hunt, Kasie (October 2, 2010). "Dave Reichert knocks down health rumors". Politico. Retrieved October 2, 2010.
  58. ↑ "King County Election Results". metrokc.gov. Archived from the original on November 8, 2001. Retrieved August 9, 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  59. ↑ "Office - WA Secretary of State". www.sos.wa.gov.
  60. ↑ "Elections 2004 – U.S. House – Washington District 8". The Washington Post.
  61. ↑ Andrew Villeneuve (July 13, 2010). "Delbene strikes clear contrast with incumbent Reichert in 8th District".
  62. ↑ "Elections 2008 – U.S. House – Washington District 8". CNN.
  63. ↑ "Election 2010, Washington". The New York Times. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  64. ↑ Reed, Sam. "Congressional District 8 elections". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  65. ↑ "Congressional District 8". results.vote.wa.gov. Retrieved April 6, 2017.
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