Democratic candidate facing criminal charge

The Democratic challenger to Republican Sen. Val Stevens is facing a challenge of his own.

Fred Walser, the former Sultan police chief and retired state trooper, was charged Thursday with providing false information to a public servant. It is a gross misdemeanor.

The single charge stems from his job in Sultan and is the result of months of investigation compiled into an 800-page police report.

Read the full story in today’s Herald.

I spoke with Walser this morning to find out if he might pull out of the race.

“No,” he said. “I’m pleading not guilty, doing what my attorney says and hopefully this will be over quickly.

“I’ve served the public for 40 years and this is the only issue that’s arisen. What I’ve tried to do in my career should not be overshadowed by what’s happened in Sultan.”

Will he withdraw if convicted?

“No. I am highly electable and the best candidate out there.”