Hour 2: The state Supreme Court would not hear arguments on the lawsuit [against the income tax] until after the November elections

The John Curley Show episode explores the political and judicial landscape in Washington State, focusing on the upcoming state Supreme Court vacancies and concerns over judicial independence. Jim Walsh, a state representative and chair of the Washington GOP, discusses the need for judges who understand and respect the state Constitution, highlighting David Larson as a top candidate due to his judicial record, public engagement, and moderate-conservative stance. The conversation turns to controversial court rule changes proposed by the state Supreme Court, including stricter standards for bail and limits on bail amounts, which Walsh criticizes as bureaucratic overreach that undermines judicial authority and public safety. He argues these changes, made without legislative approval, risk enabling criminal defendants to evade accountability, especially when combined with local law enforcement's reluctance to enforce bench warrants. The episode also covers the stalled effort to place a referendum on the income tax repeal on the ballot, with Walsh comparing the political momentum to a baseball game in the fourth inning, suggesting a strong comeback is still possible. Later segments include humorous tangents on music, branding, and local politics, including a critique of a Portland-based nonprofit opposing a Winco grocery store in Seattle, which is revealed to be a front for the Working Families Party.