Voters will be the winners if Inslee is re-elected in 1st

The 1st Congressional District is regarded as a swing seat in the U.S. House of Representatives elections. This year, there’s again a fierce battle between the Republican and Democratic candidates.

Voters, though, have the chance to hold firm with a congressman who has done an outstanding job during his first term representing the district, which includes much of south Snohomish County. Democrat Jay Inslee is a clear choice this year.

That’s true even though Inslee faces a capable Republican challenger, veteran state Sen. Dan McDonald. The two campaigns have locked horns in a barrage of advertising that obscures the genuine strengths of both candidates. Behind the smoke, McDonald is a bit more conservative, Inslee a bit more liberal. Still, McDonald, a moderate Republican, and Inslee, a moderate Democrat, genuinely stress much the same themes of fiscal responsibility, environmental protection and better education.

Inslee is living up to his words in a most impressive fashion. He has worked with exemplary energy on issues close to home. He has been tireless in the pursuit of a fair share of federal money for addressing Puget Sound’s transportation crisis, restoring salmon and protecting natural lands. He has cast a fair share of votes across party lines and, in particular, has worked with Republican members of Congress on a variety of issues. He and Republican Rep. Jack Metcalf, for instance, have devoted great attention on the need to improve federal regulation of fuel pipelines.

Despite being a member of the House minority, Inslee has managed to push the discussion forward on several issues, including privacy and the use electronic signatures on documents. He became interested in privacy on the basis of a letter from a district resident about a bank’s use of customer information.

Voters in the 1st District have an outstanding member of Congress in Jay Inslee. He is energetic, attentive to their needs and reasoned in voting. The district and the Puget Sound region will be the winners if Inslee is re-elected.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

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.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Feb. 11

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

Sentencing reforms more complicated than column described

I read Todd Welch’s Jan. 29 column. He is certainly entitled to… Continue reading

President Trump running nation like his failed businesses

We’ve seen it before; President Trump will do or say anything to… Continue reading

Intent of Trump’s nominees is to subvert good government

It is clear that Donald Trump has something specific in mind with… Continue reading

Comment: Musk’s USAID shutdown an attack on most vulnerable

Even promises of ‘waivers’ are falling short and allowing medical efforts to dry up, endangering millions.

Comment: Real dangers loom with Trump’s incoherent trade policy

Even if Trump could settle on a justification for his tariffs, the results could leave the country far. weaker.

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.

FILE- In this Nov. 14, 2017, file photo Jaìme Ceja operates a forklift while loading boxes of Red Delicious apples on to a trailer during his shift in an orchard in Tieton, Wash. Cherry and apple growers in Washington state are worried their exports to China will be hurt by a trade war that escalated on Monday when that country raised import duties on a $3 billion list of products. (Shawn Gust/Yakima Herald-Republic via AP, File)
Editorial: Trade war would harm state’s consumers, jobs

Trump’s threat of tariffs to win non-trade concessions complicates talks, says a state trade advocate.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Feb. 10

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

Comment: Trump can go only as far as the courts will allow

Most of Trump’s executive orders are likely to face court challenges, setting the limits of presidential power.

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.