Karen Keiser and John Braun

Karen Keiser (KK) introduces herself. John Braun (JB) introduces himself.

KK talks about feeling characterized as a cartoon by "the other side." JB agrees that it can be hard to break through those characterizations. He talks about the reputation he first heard about KK being tough as though that was a bad thing, but through working with her, he really respects her and found they can disagree but they can still work together.

KK and JB reflect on the differences in collegiality between the state house and state senate. JB says if the fighting is done well between both sides and with good faith it helps the whole bill get to where it needs to be.

The two discuss how important labor and commerce is to them both and share family business experiences that shaped their political beliefs - with JB seeing his grandfather's business shut down in part because of a labor movement.

JB reflects on learning KK also came from the mid-west like him and they're both swing states and they both ended up in WA and on different sides of the aisle, but are grounded in similar backgrounds.

Both reflect that while none of their conversation surprised them, they feel more informed about who the other person is that helps understand their political beliefs more.