Two great 8th District candidates running for Senate. Here’s who the Herald recommends
Ronni Batchelor’s compassion for the disabled, the poor and those suffering from mental health issues runs deep and strong.
She has worked in outreach programs helping the homeless, the marginalized and those in mental distress, and she has seen first-hand the gaps in services that can make it difficult for struggling Tri-Citians to get the help they need.
Batchelor is smart and thoughtful, and her commitment to serving others is genuine. All these qualities make her an admirable candidate for the open 8th District Senate seat.
But Batchelor, an Independent, has no legislative experience and she is running against Republican Matt Boehnke, a seasoned lawmaker who also cares deeply about bettering the lives of Tri-Citians.
After serving two terms representing the district in the House, we believe he is ready to make the jump to the Senate.
It’s for this reason that Boehnke gets the Herald’s recommendation.
When Boehnke first ran for his House seat in 2018, we called him a go-getter who isn’t overly forceful. We predicted that trait would serve him well in Olympia and we were right.
As a ranking member of the House Community & Economic Development Committee, Boehnke has found a way to get job-boosting bills to the governor’s desk with overwhelming bipartisan support.
For example, House Bill 1170 provides a framework to add 300,000 new manufacturing jobs in Washington state, as well as double the number of women- and minority-owned manufacturing firms over the next 10 years. It became law in 2021 with full support from both Republicans and Democrats.
Last year, Boehnke sponsored House Bill 2019, which is designed to increase education and provide more training opportunities in the retail industry.
It was backed by both business and labor groups, and only two legislators in the House opposed it. Support in the Senate was unanimous.
Getting bills past the governor’s desk is no easy task. Most bills flounder and die. The fact that Boehnke has found bipartisan success in his relatively short time in the Legislature shows a sense of acuity that will continue to serve him well.
If elected, Boehnke will be filling the seat held by Republican Sharon Brown. She was appointed to the post in February 2013 and a year later she was chosen by her colleagues to serve as the state Senate’s vice president pro tem — one of two members to preside over the chamber during the lieutenant governor’s absence.
She also is the deputy leader of Senate Republican Caucus and serves on the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee, which considers the state’s operating and capital budgets.
Her relationship building skills have been a plus for the Tri-Cities, and we think Boehnke will be able to continue those connections right away.
And while we recommend Boehnke for the Senate seat, we hope Batchelor will continue her interest in politics.
She is a mental health crisis assistant who has worked with police and other agencies to help people on the street who are feeling lost and hopeless. Batchelor is also concerned about the elderly, especially those dealing with food insecurity.
She wants to be a voice for those who aren’t able to speak for themselves and the Tri-Cities is lucky to have her in our community, focusing on the needs of others.
But as far as navigating the political minefield in Olympia, Boehnke already knows the landscape and that gives him the edge in this race.
The Tri-City Herald Editorial Board recommends Republican Rep. Matt Boehnke for the 8th District Senate.
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 12, 2022 at 5:00 AM.