Everett, Wash.
Published: Thursday, October 9, 2008

HERALD ENDORSEMENTS

Bart's credible, but Larsen's been effective

 In some ways, this year's opponents for the 2nd District congressional seat are more alike than different. They share the same first name and general physical appearance -- both are tall and ... how should we put this ... follicly challenged -- both have served in Snohomish County government and both have a more practical than ideological take on issues.

The biggest differences, experience and style, favor Democrat Rick Larsen, the incumbent, over Republican Rick Bart, the former county sheriff. Bart is an intelligent and capable public servant, but Larsen has done an effective job in Congress and should be retained.

Larsen is seeking a fourth term after seeing two long-term projects to fruition -- the creation of the 106,000-acre Wild Sky Wilderness Area near Index and opening of a much-needed Veterans Administration clinic in Mount Vernon. He serves on the Armed Services Committee, where he has helped protect and enhance the Navy bases in Everett and Oak Harbor, and on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he has helped secure funding for local highways and transit. He knows Snohomish County well; he was born and raised in Arlington and served on the County Council before running for Congress.

His experience, and the fact the Democrats are all but certain to hold onto the House majority, put Larsen in position to continue serving his constituents well.

Bart was asked to run after Doug Roulstone, who Larsen beat in 2006, decided against a rematch. He has gotten up to speed quickly on issues. Chief among his are getting federal spending under control and cutting through the partisanship in Congress to make progress on energy, health care and entitlements.

When expressing opinions, Bart has never been shy about shooting from the hip. He insists Congress must change the way it does business immediately, and says he'd have no qualms about arguing that Boeing should be given a home-field advantage in bidding for the Air Force refueling tanker contract.

Larsen's style is more methodical. "There's enough righteous indignation in Congress, I don't need to add to it," he said. Over the long haul, we suspect Larsen's behind-the-scenes style is more effective because it tends to forge alliances on both sides of the aisle.

That said, Bart certainly isn't ready for retirement -- he would have run for a fourth term as sheriff if not for term limits -- and he still has plenty to offer as a public servant, given the right opportunity. If this one doesn't work out, we hope he'll keep looking.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA