They share a lack of widespread name recognition, large-scale political organization and well-stocked campaign funds.
They agree that federal tax cuts must be made permanent and the pursuit of terrorists sustained.
But Republican congressional candidates Suzanne Sinclair, Larry Klepinger and Glenn Coggeshell do differ in approach, and that will factor into which of them wins the Sept. 14 primary and moves on to face incumbent U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.
Larsen is seeking a third term as representative of the 2nd Congressional District, which includes most of Snohomish County and all of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Larsen defeated John Koster in 2000 and Norma Smith in 2002; both times, he won with 50 percent of the vote.
Expecting another tough race, Larsen has amassed $1.2 million for the campaign. The three Republicans vying to challenge him have, collectively, gathered less than $40,000.
Sinclair is Island County’s auditor. Coggeshell is a Camano Island businessman. Klepinger is a Bellingham real estate agent.
Sinclair has served as auditor since 1997 and ran unopposed for re-election in 2002. One of the reasons she’s running for Congress is to reform the nation’s health care system.
“I think there’s a crossroads here where we pursue either individual choice or universal-run health care,” she said. “I want to leave the power of choice with the individual.”
She wants medical liability reform that controls skyrocketing malpractice insurance rates, which are driving doctors from the state. She also wants to lower the cost of prescription drugs and increase reimbursements for Medicare.
On economic matters, Sinclair said the tax cut pushed by President Bush in 2001 is bringing a slow recovery, and any effort to roll it back would be the wrong course.
For Klepinger, who is making his first run for public office, national security is a major concern. He wants the war against terrorists “prosecuted aggressively and decisively.” He also wants action that beefs up benefits for veterans and exempts active duty soldiers from paying federal taxes.
He too wants tax cuts made permanent, and he advocates for simplifying the system of taxation.
On social issues, Klepinger supports a woman’s right to an abortion and a same-sex couple’s desire for a civil union, calling them matters of “free choice,” not government intervention. He said he would consider legalizing marijuana, saying it is a victimless crime for which the government is spending millions of dollars to fight.
He is earnest in his effort and aware of its quixotic nature. “I hope to spend under $5,000,” said Klepinger, whose sign-waving supporters are taking to the corners of some of the district’s busiest intersections. “This is the root of the grass roots.”
Coggeshell is a musician, artist, maker of Ten Commandments’ tablets and exporter of marble and granite monuments to Russia. He ran unsuccessfully for Everett mayor in 2001 and for the state Senate in 2002. He lost that race to Aaron Reardon.
Despite the past campaigns, he’s not been anointed by party leaders. To win the primary, he’ll need the votes of conservative Republicans. “The Republican Party really wants people who are middle-of-the-road. I’m a hard-line conservative,” he said. “I’m a bona fide Republican.”
He favors abortion rights and supports school choice, term limits, higher pay for those in the military and tougher immigration laws. He is an ardent defender of the Second Amendment and opposes same-sex marriage.
Coggeshell also offers voters an entertaining online presence. On his Web site, he poses in medieval dress toting a sword. Visitors can find a hearty blend of dialectical diatribes, opinionated coverage of news events and humor.
Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
