Mike Casey
Party: Republican
Age: 58
Personal: Single, five children, all adults. Early years in Spokane, lived in Newport from 1975 to 2002.
Education: Seattle Prep (High School), 1964; bachelor's degree, Gonzaga University, 1968; bacherlor's of education, Eastern Washington Universit, 1969; dentistry degree, Creighton University, 1973.
Professional: U.S. Navy, dentist, 1973-1975; private dental practice, Newport, 1975-1994; Wa. Department of Corrections, Pine Lodge, parttime dentist, 1994 to present; Spokane County Jail, 1994-2002, parttime dentist. Also, volunteer dentistry in Bosnia and Guatemala, 1996-2004.
Political: Newport Public Hospital District board member from 1994 to 2002, including two years as board president.
Key issues: Health care costs and access to doctors is an increasing problem. Liability tort reform is needed to limit malpractice awards. The insurance industry would benefit from increased competition. Providers need higher reimbursements in Spokane region. Small business is bearing brunt of taxation in this area. They are too heavily regulated, and cost of insurance is too high. Growth management law needs reconsideration to protect private property rights. Distance and high tech learning can enhance education opportunities.
Money raised/spent: $70,800 raised; $50,300
Top contributors: Swinging Doors Tavern, $1,000; Donald Herak, $1,000; Jason Moffitt, $1,000; John Ukich, $1,000; Michael Aslin, $675; Monroe Court Limited Partnership, $675; Duane Alton, $450.
Quote: The most important issue we have now is the crisis in health care.
Key influence: Mary Ann Rockwell, mother
Favorite book: "Band of Brothers," by Stephen Ambrose
First priority if elected: Change the culture in Olympia and enacting health care and liability tort reform.
Website: http://www.mikecaseysenate.com
Email: mike@mikecaseysenate.com
