The Daily News Endorses Jaime Herrera

Experience in the day-to-day workings of government is what separates the two candidates. While Duplessie has firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing small businesses, government does not operate on the same principles as a for-profit business. Herrera's background in government and quality work in the past legislative session gives her the more impressive resume for the job of representing the 18th District in Olympia.

Herrera interned for 18th District Sen. Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, and in the White House before taking a job as senior aide in 2005 to U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican representing Eastern Washington's 5th Congressional District. While working in Rodgers' office, Herrera reportedly took the lead on health-care and education issues. She helped develop and pass federal legislation to improve health information technology and a bill aimed at furthering the instruction of math, science and engineering in the schools.

Herrera was appointed in November 2007 to the state House seat vacated by Richard Curtis of La Center. Shortly after her appointment, Herrera said, "Working locally as a team is going to be my approach," adding that she wasn't interested in doing things from a partisan perspective. She's been as good as her word. At mid-session in February, Rep. Dean Takko, D-Longview, allowed that Herrera makes an honest effort to work across the aisle.

The 18th District representative's political endorsements for re-election reflect a willingness to tune out partisan concerns. She's supported by public school employees, the Washington State Federation of Employees and SEIU Locals 924, 775 and 1199.

   

The Seattle Times Endorses Toby Nixon

Toby Nixon, R-Kirkland, is our choice in Position 1. Nixon served in the state House from 2002 to 2007 when he failed in a bid for a Senate seat. Nixon is one of the smartest minds on critical issues of the day, ranging from renewable energy to transparency in government.

As head of the Washington Coalition for Open Government, a private, nonprofit government watchdog, Nixon served as the public's conscience opposing efforts by government agencies to conceal their activities.

   

The Everett Herald Endorses Mike Hope

Democrat Liz Loomis, who was appointed to replace John Lovick after Lovick was elected Snohomish County sheriff last year, is being challenged by Mike Hope, a Republican who lost to Dunshee in 2004 and 2006.

Hope gets our nod for two primary reasons: He would add a strong and useful voice for spending restraint, and as a Seattle police officer would restore a law enforcement perspective that was lost when Lovick left the Legislature.

Having run twice before, Hope has a good grasp of the issues facing the Legislature. He makes a point of his willingness to work across the aisle, and so does Loomis. But doing so as a member of the minority party, if Hope follows through on the pledge, could be extremely helpful to the district. Dave Schmidt, a Republican who served the 44th in the Senate until he was defeated two years ago, won more than $100 million in improvements to Highway 9 by voting with Democrats on the 2005 gas-tax package.

If he's able to spot and seize such opportunities, Hope could be a successful lawmaker. We think voters should give him a chance and see how he does.

   

The Seattle Times Endorses Steve Litzow

The Seattle Times recommends Mercer Island City Councilman Steve Litzow for the open House seat.

"Litzow is the most-intriguing candidate in the race. He's a pro-choice Republican with an endorsement from NARAL. He also reached the Mercer Island City County through an intense interest in local issues.

His opponent, Democrat Marcie Maxwell, a member of the Renton School Board, is passionate about education but doesn't seem to have an original idea about the topic."

   

The News Tribune Endorses Bruce Dammeier

The decision by Puyallup Republican Rep. Joyce McDonald to leave the Legislature to run for a Pierce County Council seat puts her position up for grabs.

Both men running to replace her in House Position 1 have records of community service. Both are moderates befitting their swing district.

But the advantage goes to Republican Bruce Dammeier. A Puyallup School Board member, his grasp of the challenges facing public education is needed in Olympia.

Dammeier is a respected community figure, having served on boards for Good Samaritan Hospital, the University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma Goodwill, Werlin Reading and Mel Korum YMCA. That kind of broad experience prepares him to be a leader who will be able to get things done despite his party's minority status in the Legislature.