Check out Tri-City Herald’s candidate recommendations, videos for 2020 races | Editorial
The Nov. 3, 2020 general election is just around the corner. For those of you who have voted already, you can relax.
But for those of you who still want more information about the candidates, our recommendations can be a useful tool. We encourage everyone to do their research and vote soon. All of our candidate recommendations can be found online with details of each race, as well as recorded videos of our interviews with the candidates.
This year, we also offer a Voters Guide on our website that gives readers a chance to compare the candidates and see their answers to questions involving key issues in our region.
With the election deadline so close, forget using the post office. Instead, put your ballot in a drop box to ensure your vote gets counted.
Here are our election recommendations:
Federal
4th District Congress — Dan Newhouse (R)
State
Governor — Jay Inslee (D)
Lt. Governor — Denny Heck (D)
Attorney General — Bob Ferguson (D)
Treasurer — Duane Davidson (R)
Auditor — Pat McCarthy (D)
Insurance Commissioner — Mike Kreidler (D)
Secretary of State — Kim Wyman (R)
Superintendent of Schools — Chris Reykdal (NP)
Lands Commissioner — Hilary Franz (D)
State Supreme Court
Position 3 — Raquel Montoya-Lewis (NP)
Position 6 — G. Helen Whitener (NP)
State Legislature
8th District, House Position 1 — Shir Regev (D)
8th District, House Position 2 — Matt Boehnke (R)
9th District, House Position 1 — Mary Dye (R)
16th District, House Position 1 — Frances Chvatal (D)
16th District, House Position 2 — Skyler Rude (R)
16th District, State Senate — Danielle Garbe Reser (D)
Benton County
Commissioner, District 1 — Justin Raffa (D)
Commissioner, District 3 — James Beaver (R)
Franklin County
Commissioner, District 1 — Brad Peck (R)
Commissioner, District 2 — Ana Ruiz Peralta (D)
Benton-Franklin Superior Court
Judge, Position 1 — Dave Petersen (NP)
Statewide Ballot Measure
ESJR 8212 — Approve
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 17, 2020 at 3:12 PM.