Gardner, I-1000 backers turn in 320,000 signatures

OLYMPIA -

Volunteers and staffers for the I-1000 Death with Dignity campaign gathered on the capitol steps today to turn in 320,000 signatures in support of their cause, nearly 100,000 more than the 224,800 needed to gain ballot access, more than half of which were gathered by volunteers. 170,000 of the signatures were collected for free compared to 150,000 by paid signature gatherers.

The supporters sat around 50 strong on the steps while opponents of the measure, who refer to it as assisted suicide, had a little over 30 gathered on the sidewalk below. Many of them were repeating prayers and singing songs in solidarity.

Former Gov. Booth Gardner speaks to I-1000 supporters: Politicker Photo

When former Governor Booth Gardner, I-1000's most prominent supporter, took to the microphone to address the gathered supporters and press he first told the protesters that he appreciated their political voice, but asked them to stop their chanting.

"I only ask in return that you respect where I come from," Gardner implored. "And to make noise while I'm talking is no more polite than for us to make noise while you're singing."

Opponents of Initiative 1000: Politicker Photo

The protestors respected Gardner's request but stood through the five minute event where, in addition to Gardner, campaign volunteer Nancy Niedzielski spoke about her support for the initiative based on her late husband Randy's suffering as a result of brain cancer.

"He didn't feel that Washington State had the right to tell him that he had to continue to suffer. He asked me to promise him that I would change the law," she said of her husband.

Former Gov. Booth Gardner: Politicker PhotoUltimately Gardner is confident the measure will pass this fall despite a failed attempt in 1991. He cited positive polling from within the campaign and suggested that a new generation of voters will be more sympathetic to a patient's right to die.

"We've crossed the first hurdle and we've crossed it cleanly with room to spare," he said on the capitol steps, "and I think we are going to go all the way. I'll bet on it."