Joel Connelly

I worked for Seattle Post-Intelligencer from 1973 until it ceased print publication in 2009, and SeattlePI.com from 2009 to 6/30/2020. During that time, I wrote about 9 presidential races, 11 Canadian and British Columbia elections‎, four doomed WPPSS nuclear plants, six Washington wilderness battles, creation of two national Monuments (Hanford Reach and San Juan Islands), a 104 million acre Alaska Lands Act, plus the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

Minnesota Magic? Tim Walz Introduces Himself to America

With the vice-presidential nomination of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the party hopes for a safe landing in what White House aspirants have long labeled "fly over territory."

Democrats in Chicago: Obamas Bring the Star Power

Obama and other speakers underscored the unity message first spoken 20 years ago: "America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story."

Joe Biden’s Emotional Farewell

A bit of the drama of Biden’s withdrawal came through in his speech. “I love the job but I love my country more,” he said, underlying the task of preventing a second Trump term.

No Denying: Climate Change is the No. 1 Issue

With evidence of retreating glaciers all around us, will voters heed the signals? The West Coast has a leadership role to play.

The New Republicanism: “Illiberal” Democracy

These people are serious. They have taken the Republican Party on a 180-degree turn from the familiar small-government conservatism.

Five Takeaways from This Week’s Washington State Primary

State Sen. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, pulled off the upset of the night in Washington's open 6th Congressional District, besting Hilary Franz.

What Trump’s Disastrous VP Pick says about his Decision-making

Deficiencies of Trump as decision-maker are nowhere more apparent than in his selection of a vice-presidential nominee.

A Rarity: Four Highly Competitive Congressional Races in Washington State. Here’s Where They Stand

The 2024 election bears on the future of two endangered political species – main  street conservative Republicans and Democrats from rural, Trump-leaning districts.

Climate Change: Canada’s Forests Burn

The symmetry was inescapable: As the fires swept into Jasper, consuming one-third of structures in the town, our planet was recording the warmest day in recorded history.

New Poll: Democrats have a Big Lead in Washington State

Harris leads Trump by 14 points in a new poll, and Bob Ferguson leads Dave Reichert by 9 points in the gubernatorial contest.

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