We think this candidate has the edge in the Lt. Gov. race in Washington state | Editorial
The race for lieutenant governor is between two solid Democrats who are both up to the task.
State Sen. Marko Liias, 39, from Snohomish County, would be great in the role. But he’s running against Denny Heck, a legend in Washington state political circles.
Heck gets our recommendation.
The 68-year-old’s resume is very impressive.
He has been a U.S. representative for Washington’s 10th Congressional District since 2013, but announced last year he would not seek re-election for that post.
Prior to his federal job, Heck served eight years in the state House of Representatives, and he was Gov. Booth Gardner’s chief of staff. In addition, he was a co-founder and president of TVW, the state’s public affairs network. The TV station has become an important conduit between citizens and state officials.
Before the primary election, we joined the Tacoma News Tribune for a virtual meeting with all the lieutenant governor candidates. Heck stood out then, and he stands out now.
When current Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib announced earlier this year that he would join the priesthood and not seek re-election, it unexpectedly opened the door to the coveted job.
Only four people have held the lieutenant governor’s position since 1957 when Democrat John Cherberg took it over. He kept the office until 1989, and then it was held by Republican Joel Pritchard, Democrat Brad Owen and Habib.
Early in the race, there was talk that Gov. Jay Inslee could be tapped for a federal cabinet position if Joe Biden becomes president. If that happens, and Inslee decides to leave, the lieutenant governor would take over until the next election.
Heck has the experience and could step up if need be.
In an interesting twist, Republican Joshua Freed is running a write-in campaign for lieutenant governor. Freed, a wealthy developer and former Bothell mayor, ran unsuccessfully for governor in the primary election, and has now turned his sights on the second-in-command post.
If the Democrats split the vote, there is talk a Republican could make it in.
We haven’t met with Freed, and we will not consider candidates who try to sail in after voters have made their selection in the primary election.
As it happens, in his interview with us, Inslee said he wants to be governor for another term and gave the impression he wouldn’t leave our state for the other Washington.
Even so, we like the idea of Heck being second in command.
Liias has done a good job as majority floor leader, and he has the support of Habib. As for presiding over the state Senate, Liias certainly knows what to do. He calls himself socially progressive and says he is supportive of small businesses.
If elected, we’ve no doubt he would manage the responsibility well.
But Heck also has what it takes to handle the state, and we think he would do a better job in the governor’s seat if that happens.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Democrat Denny Heck for Lieutenant Governor.
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 2:57 PM.