The Political Pulse of Eastern Washington in 1880
A pre-election report from the territory reveals shifting alliances and Republican optimism across the Cascade divide.
The story, cleaned up
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In response to letters of inquiry addressed to prominent gentlemen in the various counties east of the mountains, asking about the feelings of the people there regarding Mr. Brents, we have received replies in substance as follows: Yakima is put down for between 125 and 150 majority for Brents. Two-thirds of the men working for McCormick and Harkness are Republicans, and will go solid for Brents; Klickitat can be counted on for Brents by fair majority; Whitman promises to be the banner Republican county east of the mountains, and will roll up 800 majority for the Republican standard bearer. In Brents' home Walla Walla County, he will poll about the same vote he did two years ago, and will carry it by at least 150 majority. The most doubtful county we have yet heard from is one where a gentleman who has been in office there for two years, and is on the ticket again this year, says: 'The Democrats are making a hard fight in this county, but I think the Republicans will elect most of their ticket by from 50 to 100 majority. Brents will run ahead of his ticket.' From this showing, it would seem that the Republicans are united east of the mountains, and will roll up a big majority for Brents one week from today.
“The Democrats are making a hard fight in this county, but I think the Republicans will elect most of their ticket by from 50 to 100 majority.”
This report highlights the historical geographic divide in Washington politics that remains a defining feature of the state today. While the specific names and parties have shifted, the central struggle of regional influence between the Puget Sound and the inland counties remains a recurring theme in Washington’s civic life.
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