AFP is pleased to announce the establishment of its newest state chapter in Washington, and welcome aboard Kirby Wilbur, Seattle native and prominent local politico, as the new chapter’s state director. AFP now has 30 chapters and affiliates and members in all 50 states.

“Kirby is a seasoned veteran in grassroots activism and is well-equipped to lead the charge for free-market issues in the state of Washington,” said Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity. “We’re proud to welcome him as the leader of AFP’s newest state chapter.”

Prior to joining AFP, Wilbur played a prominent role in both state and national politics. For 16 years, he was host of the morning drive show on 570 KVI radio. During this time, he was named several times as one of the top 100 talk show hosts by Talkers Magazine.

Mr. Wilbur’s record as a grassroots organizer dates back to 1994, when he was a primary organizer of a July rally in Seattle against then-First Lady Hillary Clinton’s health care reform. This record continued in 2005, when he oversaw a statewide effort to repeal a gas tax increase. The initiative gathered 442,000 signatures in 30 days.

Americans for Prosperity has previously been active in Washington State with its “Take Back Washington” initiative in January, which urged citizens to contact their state representatives and demand budgetary solutions without new taxes.

Moving forward, AFP-Washington hopes to curb the tax-and-spend climate that has taken hold of Olympia. Wilbur is taking steps to grow membership in the state and organize an upcoming taxpayer rally at the Capitol.

“Washington State has the potential to be one of the most economically competitive states in the country,” said Wilbur. “The Washington chapter of Americans for Prosperity is ready to work with its members to urge Governor Gregoire and the state legislature in Olympia to rein in wasteful spending and get ahold of the state’s budget.”

To interview State Director Kirby Wilbur, please call (425) 922-4004.