Friday, April 4, Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist will kick off his bid for re-election with what we can only be described as a star-studded "kick off party" - which in the business of politics, is code for warm and fuzzy fundraising event. Lindquist promises the event will feature Peter Buck of R.E.M., actress and singer Molly Ringwald, The Beatniks, as well as speakers Gov. Jay Inslee, Sheriff Paul Pastor, Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, and Detective Ed Troyer, executive director of Crime Stoppers.

Below is the news annoucement out of the Lindquist Camp.

TACOMA, Wash. - Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist will formally announce his bid for re-election on April 4, Friday, 6 p.m., at the Landmark Temple Theatre in Tacoma.

Governor Jay Inslee, Sheriff Paul Pastor, Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, and Detective Ed Troyer, Executive Director of Crime Stoppers, will be the featured speakers for the campaign kickoff.

Everyone is invited to the festivities at 47 St. Helens Avenue. Musical guests include Peter Buck of R.E.M., actress and singer Molly Ringwald, and The Beatniks. Governor Inslee is expected to speak at 6:45 p.m. People are encouraged to arrive early. The suggested donation for the fundraiser is $50. 

"Under Mark's leadership, the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office has earned a state-wide reputation for vigorous prosecution, public service and professionalism," said Troyer. "This will be a great event to support our Prosecutor."  

The former Chief Criminal Deputy, Lindquist was appointed as Pierce County Prosecutor in a bipartisan and unanimous vote of the County Council in 2009. He was elected in a landslide in 2010, winning with over 61 percent of the vote. 

Announcing for his second term, Lindquist said, "I'm honored to lead an office of dedicated public servants who are committed to pursuing justice. I love this job, and I greatly appreciate the privilege of serving our diverse community."

As Prosecutor, Lindquist formed a Gang Unit, which has successfully prosecuted hundreds of violent gang members and associates, reducing gang violence in Pierce County by over 50 percent. He also began the Elder Fraud Unit that focuses on aggressively prosecuting offenders who victimize our most vulnerable citizens. 

Shortly after Lindquist was appointed, the Prosecutor's Office filed charges against those who assisted Maurice Clemmons in one of the worst crimes in our state's history. Clemmons ambushed and murdered four Lakewood Police Officers. After a massive manhunt, a Seattle Police Officer killed Clemmons. Lindquist vowed to hold all those who assisted Clemmons accountable. Six went to prison, including getaway driver Dorcus Allen, who was convicted of four counts of murder as an accomplice and was sentenced to 420 years.

More recently, Lindquist and Deputy Prosecutor Phil Sorensen tried Tyler Savage for the murder and rape of Special Olympian Kimmie Daily. Savage was convicted as charged and sentenced to life in prison. 

In addition to vigorous criminal prosecution, the Prosecutor's Office has a reputation for strong stands against baseless lawsuits, protecting taxpayer money, accessibility and professionalism.   

Lindquist serves on the Foundation Board for Tacoma Community College, is a member of Rotary 8, and is a nationally-acclaimed author. His books have been bestsellers and published in several languages. He also writes book reviews for the Seattle Times and a column for the local Bar News. 

As our Prosecutor, he speaks to community groups throughout the county and welcomes invitations.  

Lindquist lives in Tacoma with his wife Chelsea and their daughter.