About the Washington Conservative Union


The Washington Conservative Union was formed in 1978 to promote the philosophy of
principled conservatism in Washington State. We fully adopt the Statement of Principles
of our affiliate, the American Conservative Union, which makes clear our support for
free markets, limited government and confidence in traditional moral values.

As a multi-issue umbrella organization, we seek to support and work with the many
effective specialized organizations active in Washington State supporting similar goals
and to coordinate with the American Conservative Union on projects national in scope.

Rating Legislators

All Washington conservatives need an objective evaluation of the voting records of those
we send to Olympia. Based on our Legislative Principles, WCU identifies key
votes in the State House and Senate that promote strong family, promote tax-payer
friendly fiscal policies, maintain a responsible criminal justice system, foster a sound
educational system for Washington’s youth, assure limited government, and recognize
constitutional protections. Each year after the close of the legislative session, we compile
and release a table showing how each legislator voted on the key votes and computing an
overall conservative percentage.

Senators and Congressmen are rated in a similar process by the American Conservative
Union. http://www.acuratings.com/

Action Bulletins

During the legislative session, and at other appropriate times, WCU provides its members
with email action bulletins and updates on significant events.

The Olympia Project

Recognizing the sound philosophy can only be turned into good policy by the hard work
of dedicated legislators. Through The Olympia Project, WCU identifies legislative
candidates who share WCU’s legislative principles [LINK] and provides supporters of
the project an opportunity to contribute directly to their campaigns.

The Officers of WCU

Chairman: Richard Derham. Dick has been active in conservative politics since he
participated in forming the Young Americans for Freedom chapter at Harvard College in
1960. Active in the Reagan for President campaigns in 1976 and 1980, he served for
three years as a senior official in the U.S. Agency for International Development. From
1990 to 1992 he served as Chairman, King County Republican Central Committee. After
retiring from the practice of law, he served as President of the Washington Policy Center
from 1996 to 2000.

Vice Chairman- Secretary: Eric Rohrbach. Eric became a conservative activist in high
school, and later served on the YAF National Board of Directors. Active in Young
Republicans at Washington State University, Eric served as Washington State Youth for
Reagan Chairman and was elected a Reagan delegate to the 1976 Republican National
Convention. He is a former Washington State Legislator and past National Treasurer of
the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Political Victory Fund. Eric has worked in numerous
campaigns and is currently a Campaign Consultant and Vice-chair of the 45th District
(King County) Republicans.

Treasurer: Robert Eberle. Bob is a former three-term Washington State Legislator,
drafting member of the King Co Charter Commission, Region 10 Administrator of GSA
(Reagan and Bush appointee), and Boeing engineer. He has been active in conservative
politics since the Goldwater for President campaign. Bob served as Executive Director of
the King Co. Republican Party, and is currently treasurer of the Skagit Co. Republican
Party. Bob has worked in many campaigns, has served as WA State Chairman of the
Young Republicans, and as treasurer of the Citizens Committee to Defeat the State
Income Tax.
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