FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2024
Contact: press@wa-democrats.org

From abortion bans to mass surveillance, Reichert threatens Washingtonians’ right to privacy

Seattle, WA – Today, Salon reports that Dave Reichert, Republican candidate for governor, is advocating for a controversial mass surveillance technology, Rapid DNA, in his plans for governor. The catch? Reichert previously worked as a lobbyist for this technology’s manufacturer after departing Congress, urging foreign governments to adopt it. Now, he wants to bring Rapid DNA to Washington State. 

According to the article, “Reichert is still advocating for [Rapid DNA’s] use in police departments in Washington and across the country, despite criticism that the technology enables government mass surveillance and that its apparent flaws could lead to innocent people being arrested for crimes they did not commit.” 

Additionally, “[while] the FBI and other well-funded organizations enforce education and training requirements for their forensics staff, local department standards are more inconsistent, with handlers sometimes making terrible mistakes or committing outright fraud.” 

Reichert’s advocacy and involvement in mass surveillance technology is in line with his extreme attacks on personal liberties. In Congress, Reichert voted three times for a national abortion ban that would criminalize doctors, supporting bills that invaded women’s fundamental right to privacy. 

“Lobbyist Dave Reichert isn’t just an extremist, he’s also a snake oil salesman and a fraud. Not only is he trying to control women’s bodies, he’s now trying to surveil the entire state of Washington, invading everyone’s privacy,” said Shasti Conrad, Chair of the WA State Democrats. “While Reichert tries to control and monitor Washingtonians, Democrats are fighting for a future where our freedoms are secure and we can live our lives without government overreach.”

The Washington State Democratic Party is committed to advancing progressive policy, empowering the grassroots, and ensuring Democratic victories up and down the ballot. Chair of the Washington Democrats, Shasti Conrad, is the first Indian-American woman to chair a major state party.

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