State Reps. Dye and Boehnke face third-party candidates. Here are our picks | Editorial
The third-party candidates who have emerged as contenders in two Tri-Cities legislative races are to be admired for their democratic spirit.
Realizing that incumbents in their respective districts likely would be running unopposed, Libertarian Brett Borden and Larry Stanley, of the Alliance Party, both decided to launch campaigns and give voters a choice.
Borden faces Republican Rep. Mary Dye for a House seat in Legislative District 9, and Stanley is up against Republican Rep. Matt Boehnke for a House seat in Legislative District 8.
While we recommend voters re-elect Dye and Boehnke, we appreciate what the challengers have brought to this year’s election.
Incumbents shouldn’t be given a pass no matter how good a job they may be doing. A contested race provides a chance for issues to be discussed along the campaign trail, and it forces incumbents to explain their positions and connect with constituents.
Dye v Borden
The 9th Legislative District is massive. It includes Adams, Asotin, Garfield and Whitman counties, as well as parts of Spokane and Franklin counties, including west Pasco.
Dye, a wheat farmer from Addy, connects well with constituents in the rural district. She’s grown as a legislator since she was appointed to the House in 2015.
She’s a champion for the agriculture industry and rural residents. One of her greatest triumphs was helping to create an infrastructure that would allow for more broadband access to the sparsely populated areas of our state.
At the time, Dye called her legislation a “game changer” for people who couldn’t convince any network to give them access, and she said she is committed to getting internet service to those who live beyond the gravel road.
Her priority next year is economic recovery. On this issue, she and her opponent agree that COVID-19 restrictions have taken too big a toll on communities and small businesses.
Borden is against government overreach and believes citizens should have more freedom to make their own choices. He now lives in Pullman, but used to live in Richland and worked at the popular landmark store, Adventures Underground.
His connection to the Tri-Cities is a plus. And he is well spoken and has solid understanding of the legislative process. He said that because he doesn’t belong to either party, he could focus on the issues without being expected to follow the party line.
Borden admits, though, that getting leadership positions would be a challenge. We agree.
As a Libertarian, he would appeal to many in the 9th District who believe in less government. But Dye also shares that philosophy, and her experience should not be dismissed.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Mary Dye for Legislative District 9, State Rep. Pos. 1.
Boehnke v Stanley
Former Kennewick City Councilman Matt Boehnke was elected to the House two years ago and his excitement for the job is apparent.
Boehnke exudes enthusiasm. His devotion to the Tri-Cities is clear when he talks of representing the “Mighty 8th.”
He grew up in Kennewick, went on to have an illustrious career as a helicopter pilot for the Army and then retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2011. He now teachers cybersecurity at Columbia Basin College.
While he embraces the Republican Party, he leans more toward the middle of the political spectrum – and that means he can work across the aisle. His priority is getting the Tri-Cities economy going after COVID-19, and protecting education.
Boehnke’s reputation is so solid that his opponent even told him he understood why the Democrats didn’t put up a challenger against him.
Larry Stanley, who lives in Richland and works for a local winery, saw that as an opportunity. He is from the Alliance Party and his focus is on healing divisions between the political parties and finding common ground.
Stanley is no spoiler. He is knowledgeable, reasonable and believes in pursuing solutions to problems rather than touting ideology. The back-and-forth between Boehnke and Stanley was among the most pleasant and informative edit boards we have held so far.
While Stanley is a fantastic candidate who might encourage compromise in the Legislature, Boehnke is already poised to do great things.
We recommend Boehnke get that chance to show what more he can do for the community.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Matt Boehnke for Legislative District 8, State Rep. Pos. 2.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
Members of The Tri-City Herald editorial board is comprised of experienced opinion journalists and community members, and is separate from The Herald’s newsroom. Conversations are on the record.
What does the recommendation process entail?
Whenever possible, The Herald editorial board meets with opposing candidates at the same time. The questions are largely focused on a candidate’s qualifications and goals. The editorial board then discusses the candidates in each race and decides who to recommend. Board members seek to reach a consensus on our recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making recommendations, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues, their understanding of public policy and their ability to work with the current board . We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats.
Why are the editorials unsigned?
Our election recommendations reflect the collective views of The Herald’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. For the 2022 election, the board includes: Cecilia Rexus, Herald editorial writer; Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald executive director; Matt Taylor, retired Herald editorial writer; Mike Paoli and Martin Valadez, community representatives.
This story was originally published October 9, 2020 at 12:13 PM.