WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), alongside Rep. Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), sent a letter to Washington State House of Representatives Speaker Laurie Jinkins urging the reversal of her decision to deny press passes for independent journalists Ari Hoffman, Brandi Kruse, and Jonathan Choe.
“Our Founding Fathers designed a system of governance that allowed any citizen to publicly question our government. The First Amendment exists to prevent discrimination and punishment of the press for the views, thoughts, or words in their coverage. The job of the press is to agitate, investigate, and scrutinize our leaders and institutions, which distinguishes democracy from dictatorship,” the Members wrote.
They added, “We request that the House of Representatives immediately reverse this decision, issue press passes to these journalists, restore their ability to take part in the democratic process, and hold their government accountable.”
These three independent journalists were denied press passes to the House this legislative session, but Brandi Kruse was granted a pass for the Senate.
Brandi Kruse appealed her denial with Washington State House of Representatives Chief Clerk Bernard Dean, and her appeal was denied.
Read the full letter here.
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