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Sound Politics

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A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. Produced by KUOW in Seattle.

There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go beyond the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference.

New episodes every week.

Team:

  • Libby Denkmann, Host
  • Scott Greenstone, Host
  • Catharine Smith, Editor
  • Hans Anderson, Producer

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

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Episodes

  • What's lobbying got to do with it?

    Lobbying is one of the most-hated jobs in America according to polling. But lobbyists have a big impact on what ends up in state and local legislation and the laws we all live under.

  • A big threat to Democrats' WA swing district

    WA's Third Congressional District broke for Trump three times. It also sent Democrat Marie Glusenkamp Perez to the U.S. House -- twice. But her challenger in 2026 will test whether voters support her unique politics or felt her previous opponent was just too extreme.

  • August slipped away for Seattle incumbents

    This week we take a look at two different primary election trends. At the city level, voters have an anti-incumbent bent, but in state legislative races, incumbent Democrats who voted for tax increases seem to (mostly) be okay.

  • Everybody hates big $ in elections. Is this a fix?

    The vast majority of Americans say that money in politics is a threat to democracy. Seattle came up with a novel solution: give everyone money to donate to candidates. In 2015, voters approved the Democracy Voucher program, but is it working?

  • Who's your lawyer?

    We take a deep dive into the Seattle city attorney election and whether a Republican can distance herself from the president and win in that deep blue city.

  • SO MUCH IS HAPPENING

    Why King County’s assessor was just arrested. Plus, the latest on the One Big Beautiful Bill.

  • (Middle) Eastern politics with Eastern WA's Congressman

    For now, a cease-fire between Iran and Israel appears to be holding. Is this a military victory? A violation of constitutional oversight? A failed attempt to take out a nuclear power? Congressman Michael Baumgartner joins us to discuss.