Former Planned Parenthood Director Is Guv’s Choice for Democratic Party Lead

Saturday in Vancouver the Washington State Democratic Party will meet to pick its new political director. Gov. Jay Inslee is backing the former political director for the agency.

Inslee and his wife Trudy, according to the Seattle Times, called Dana Laurent an "authentic grassroots leader" with a "proven track record both as a Democratic volunteer and successful political strategist."

Some 170 leaders and members of the party will meet to select a new political director after the announcing retirement of current director Dwight Pelz.

Since 2012 Laurent has been the director of a group called WinWin, a progressive political non-profit group that is influential in Democratic circles.

Former Congressional Candidate Jay Clough from West Richland, who ran in 2010 is also seeking the position. Several other candidates are also vying for the position.

One of the contenders, long-time political activist Nancy Biery, dropped out of the race after claiming donors and political consultants attempted to muscle her and other rivals out of the race.