Introductory statements from Rep. Luis Moscoso, challengers

Incumbent Democratic 1st Legislative District Rep. Luis Moscoso faces two challengers on the Aug. 5 primary ballot.

The two are Republican Ed Barton and Democrat Dave Griffin.

The top two vote getters in the primary, regardless of party, qualify for the Nov. 4 general-election ballot.

Moscoso is seeking a third two-year term in the State House of Representatives. Barton first announced as a Libertarian candidate but filed as a Republican, the party that he says he has identified with for most of his life. Griffin has drawn criticism from 1st District Democratic Party Chairman Richard Moralez, who said Friday that Griffin has never attended a District Democratic event.

The 1st Legislative District includes most of Mountlake Terrace, all of Brier and Bothell, unincorporated areas of Snohomish County north and east of Bothell, north Kirkland and unincorporated areas of King County between Bothell and Kirkland.

Here are introductory campaign statements from the three candidates in the order they will appear on the primary ballot:

1st LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Pos. 2

Edward J. Barton (Prefers Republican Party)

We need practical, not partisan, common sense solutions in Olympia. I’ve held jobs at all levels, and relate to the majority of constituents in the district who own small businesses or work for private companies. I experience the challenges we face with increasing government regulation and taxation. We are a two-income household with two daughters, 10 and 6, in public schools, with concerns around education, crime, economic growth, environmental protection and equal opportunity for our children. We need a fresh voice representing US – families, employees and small business owners – in the Legislature.

Luis Moscoso (Prefers Democratic Party)

State Rep. Luis Moscoso is a common-sense leader who utilizes his past organizational development skills to collaborate with colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Luis is known for his bi-partisan approach that provides practical solutions and avoids ideological posturing in Olympia. In 2013, Luis founded the first “Legislative Rail Caucus,” a bipartisan legislative committee working to address rail corridor safety, increase passenger and freight mobility, and supporting inland and coastal ports to improve the movement of agricultural and manufactured goods necessary to sustain and improve Washington’s international trade. Luis has devoted his career to improving transportation for Washington.

Dave Griffin (Prefers Democratic Party)

Time for change. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work for you the voters. Let’s get the job done on time and under budget. We need to focus on our children, seniors and transportation. Our children deserve a quality, funded education. Seniors need to be heard and valued. Infrastructure and transportation is the lifeblood of this community. We all need to work together to accomplish what you the people of Washington value most.

This is why I am running for State Representative for the 1st District Position 2 and ask for your vote on Election Day.

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