It has been a tough year for many Americans, and from a political perspective, it's been even tougher for conservatives who raise their families and make their homes in Washington State!  But I write you today not to dwell on the disappointments of the past election or the turbulent economic times we face, but to offer up some new hope, enthusiasm, and encouragement as we introduce an exciting new organization, the Washington Values Alliance.

For the past several months I've been meeting with legislators, attorneys, pastors and other leaders from around the state discussing various strategies and scenarios and the need for a defense of marriage effort in 2009. With homosexuals still reeling from electoral set-backs in California, Arizona, Florida, and Arkansas, the gay-lobby groups have vowed to come roaring back. Here in Washington State, Senator Ed Murray has promised to, once again, introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriage during the upcoming legislative session (which begins on January 12, 2009).

Thus it appears that Washington State is the next major battleground in the national culture war.

The overwhelming conclusion that I have reached is that we cannot win this battle unless the people of Washington wake up and rise up in opposition! The other side is motivated, well financed, and steadily chipping away at public opinion. The Washington Values Alliance is determined to build a powerful statewide grassroots network and our priority number one is to lead efforts to counter the homosexual lobby's attacks on genuine marriage. We will fight to preserve marriage during the legislative session and if that fails, we will utilize the referendum/initiative process and organize an effort similar to California's Proposition 8!

We have the skills, the experience, and the motivation to heed the call to this battle, but our efforts simply cannot stand without a groundswell of support.

Will you consider becoming a partner to the Washington Values Alliance as we take a stand for marriage in Washington? We will need volunteers from every corner of the state and your financial help if we are to succeed in standing our ground against a seemingly unstoppable liberal tide.

Thank you and may God bless you and your family during the joyous Christmas season!

Sincerely,

Larry Stickney, President

Washington Values Alliance