The Tri-City Herald makes these recommendations in WA statewide races | Editorial
Local races are sometimes easier to determine than statewide races.
After all, our local legislators and county officials live in the Tri-Cities and we hear their names often. We may even know them personally, and we may know their challengers too.
But at the state level, our executive leaders can feel far away. This year, we joined our sister papers, The News Tribune of Tacoma and The Olympian, for joint interviews with candidates for state office. While we shared the discussion, our final picks are our own.
Here is how they turned out:
State Offices
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)
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 30, 2020 at 11:00 AM.