Editorial: Suzan DelBene for 1st Congressional District

By The Herald Editorial Board

Washington state’s 1st Congressional District, which encompasses eastern regions of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish and King counties, was drawn in 2012 with the intention of creating a “swing” district, one with representation among its residents that wouldn’t favor one party or the other.

In the district’s first two elections in 2012 and 2014, voters have not seen a need to swing away from Rep. Suzan DelBene, a Democrat who lives in Medina. She defeated Republican John Koster in 2012 with nearly 54 percent support and Republican Pedro Celis in 2014 with 55 percent support.

The latest Republican too take a swing at the district is Robert Sutherland of Granite Falls.

Sutherland, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, has a degree in biochemistry and researched DNA cancer therapies at a Seattle biotech company. He ran for Congress in 2014, but was defeated in the primary by Celis. He also ran for Snohomish County executive in 2015.

Sutherland’s priorities include securing the borders to end illegal immigration; strengthening the economy by lowering corporate taxes; repealing Obamacare and allowing insurance companies to sell policies across state borders; gradually turning over federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to state agencies; and promoting energy independence by encouraging the development of oil, natural gas and clean coal but also renewable sources, such as wind, solar and tidal.

Sutherland opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an trade agreement among 11 Pacific Rim countries, citing conditions that would put American companies at a disadvantage.

The agreement faces an uncertain future; it would need to be ratified by Congress and both presidential candidates have said they oppose it.

DelBene, while indicating she’s waiting to see final language on side agreements if and when TPP is presented to Congress, approved legislation that moved the negotiation process forward and is supportive of trade in general as a vital job generator. DelBene has noted that Washington is the nation’s most trade-dependent state and two of the counties she represents — Snohomish and King — are among the top 10 most trade-dependent counties in the nation.

DelBene also was a strong voice in support of reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank that provides financing that promotes exports of Washington state-produced goods and services.

DelBene, who has an MBA from the University of Washington, had a 12-year career at Microsoft, spending time as vice-president for global sales, marketing and the company’s mobile technology basis. Her technology background informed her support for the USA Freedom Act in 2015, that terminated the bulk collection of metadata from phone calls by the government and passed with bipartisan support.

Serving on the agriculture committee, she worked to pass the 2014 Farm bill that expanded crop insurance for farmers and limited the cuts, though not fully successful, to the food stamp program.

Among her work on the environment, DelBene worked with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., to win reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and worked with Republican Rep. Dave Reichert of the state’s 8th Congressional District to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Recent bills she has submitted have focused on the needs of the 1st District, including the Timber Innovation Act and the National Landslide Loss Reduction Act.

DelBene serves a diverse district, but has worked to serve its residents’ interests, promote jobs and develop its economy and protect its environmental resources. The Herald endorses Suzan DelBene.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Trump’s aid cut will cost U.S. influence

The last time the U.S. pulled back its aid to other countries,… Continue reading

Musk’s financial access is a threat to personal data, payments

Recently Elon Musk along with six young men between 19-24 were able… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

Comment: Birthright citizenship has helped make America great

Trump’s attempt to end it, almost certainly unconstitutional, won’t fix the nation’s problems at its borders.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

I was excited to read in Will Geschke’s report (“Everett lawmakers back… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.