The Democratic Party has been active in Washington since the organization of Washington Territory. The State Committee came into being in the 20th century, conforming to requirements of a statute of 1925 concerning political parties (RCW 29.42). The State Committee's office staff has existed only in recent times, encompassing the party chairmanships of Robert R. Kull to 1969, Dwight Spracher in 1969-1970, Neale Chaney through 1978, and Joseph Murphy from that year into 1981 when Karen Marchioro assumed the office. The various activities that involve the State Committee office range from periodic Committee meetings and local caucuses to state and national conventions, fundraising, and campaign analysis. The office also has a role in assuring compliance with state laws concerning elections and public disclosure of campaign funding. The office is also involved with the diverse activities of individuals within the Democratic Party both is the state of Washington and on the national scene.
From the guide to the Washington State Democratic Committee Records, 1932-1988, (Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC))
