Group's accusations against Senate candidate mostly false

Based on a Bellingham Herald investigation into the claims, as well as a thorough vetting of Ranker's campaign Web site, the allegations appear to be untrue or distort issues. The Herald is not publishing the false allegations.

The investigation did find that Ranker's membership with the American Legion had expired.

Ranker was a registered member of the Sons of the American Legion, a group for those who have an immediate relative who is a military veteran, but his membership lapsed in 2005. The group is a part of the American Legion and those who are in it participate with Legion posts.

"I'm kinda bummed about that," Ranker said, after having been told his membership expired. He didn't know but has since renewed the membership.

Shannon Plummer, commander of the Friday Harbor American Legion Post 163, acknowledged that Ranker wasn't on the membership roles as of now because of an expired membership, but pointed out he is active in supporting the post and veterans on the islands.

Ranker most recently worked on a three-year effort with Gov. Chris Gregoire's husband, Mike Gregoire, to get a once-a-month clinic on San Juan Island for that county's 2,500 veterans.

The flier and e-mail also claim Ranker takes credit for the work of others, and specifically listed bills on orca protection and veterans' services.

State Rep. Dave Quall, D-Mount Vernon, said that an orca whale protection bill he got passed that was signed by the governor was the direct result of Ranker's work.

"I would say that he deserves more credit than I deserve," Quall said. "He negotiated with the parties ... and he would update me frequently at what direction we needed to go with the legislation so that it would eventually pass. So he played really a more vital role."

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen's spokeswoman, Amanda Mahnke, said Ranker has been involved in helping to bring a U.S. Veterans Affairs hospital and other services closer to the area.