Candidate for: State Representative – 17th District, Position 2. Incumbent from 2011.
Campaign website: http://electharris.com/ Age: 63
Summary Analysis: Paul Harris is a five year Washington State legislator. He has a general track record or conservative and responsible votes. In Harris’s five years as a state legislator he has demonstrated some typical politician weaknesses to be overly influenced by the forces of the political parties and special interests. Paul Harris has a 71% composite score. See details about score in the composite score matrix.
Campaign manager and team: Apparently self-run with volunteers
Education – higher: Bachelor of Science Degree from Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
Relevant work experience: Paul Harris’s work experience is the type of background that would tend to produce realistic skills to sort through the matters that come before state legislators.
• Harris owned three retail stores and a manufacturing plant with 17 employees for 12 years.
• Currently owns Solid Solutions, which does sales, marketing, public relations, and consulting work.
• He worked for a local manufacturer and retailer, with positions in Sales and Management including VP of Marketing.
Organizations and community involvement:
• Evergreen School Board, 11 years
• Lifetime Boy Scout Leader
• Rotary Member
Donation analysis: Paul Harris’ recent donations are nearly all from Washington and out of state businesses and Industry Groups who donate large amounts to incumbents with the implied expectation that the donor’s ‘special interests’ will be heard and respected. Members of these groups are not typically ideological, but driven by self-interest. This donation profile is typical for politicians that feel they can maintain their seat and therefore avoid trying to gain donations from local citizens–but this certainly projects an influence on Harris’ decisions. Donations are considered solid relative to amounts needed be competitive in this particular political race. How to review donations.
Time in area: Over 30 years
Background for candidate: The following links have been chosen as they contain background information readers may find useful.
Original analysis: July 2016 Updated: October 2016.
Produced by ClarkCounty.info LLC 2016