Danielsons make politics a family affair

Bruce Danielson has announced his candidacy for the Kitsap County prosecutor’s position while his wife is running for the 26th District Washington State Senate seat.

Bruce and Kris Danielson are like any other married couple with children and a household to run, except for one noticeable difference — politics.

What makes their situation unique is both Danielsons are running for office this year.

Bruce Danielson has announced his candidacy for the Kitsap County prosecutor’s position while his wife is running for the 26th District Washington State Senate seat.

Bruce Danielson, an attorney with 24 years of trial experience, filed for candidacy on June 10.

He has twice ran for Superior Court judge and believes his experience enhances his qualifications.

He will be running against incumbent Russ Hauge, who hasn’t been challenged since 1994.

The other half of the coin, Kris Danielson, will be running against incumbent fellow newcomer Marty McClendon in the Republican primary for the right to challenge Democrat Sen. Derek Kilmer.

“I’ve never run for a state position before, but I did run for county assessor in 2006,” she said.

Her main issues will be reducing the size of government, economics and education.

The Danielsons have been married for 13 years, which Kris joked, “Seems like 40,” and have a 10-year-old daughter, Leta.

“Although, when she and Bruce are chasing each other through the house with Nerf guns, I swear I have two,” she said.

Of their daughter, Kris Danielson noted, “Leta skipped a grade and pulled straight A’s all four quarters. I believe she has a better understanding of economics than some of our elected officials.”  

The littlest Danielson has been what mom calls, “a trooper through our political endeavors, she has door-belled, sign waved, and attended numerous meetings.

“When we discussed Bruce and I running for office,” Kris Danielson said, “the deal was no door-belling, sign waving, or pounding signs this summer, and I also promised her we would go camping.”

Asked what she thought about the issues surrounding the election, Leta said, “I’m fearful for my future and I hope someone will do something right for a change.”

Even though the campaign trail can be an arduous journey, Leta said she would like to see both of her parents win so they can make a positive difference in their community and for the state.

The Danielsons find that humor plays an important role in their lives.

“Some may think we’re not serious,” Kris Danielson said. “Just the opposite, we both have very serious sides when necessary. We just think life is too short not to enjoy it, so we make jokes and laugh as often as we can.”

To find out more about the Danielsons and their campaign issues, visit their website at www.votedanielson.com.  

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