Herald letters support Lukson, Torres, White, Eisinger, Rodriguez, Smiley, Connors, Murray

Vote for Lukson

Ryan Lukson gets my vote for Benton County Prosecuting Attorney. I believe Ryan is extremely well qualified for this important position. He is well educated, dedicated, diligent and honorable. In addition, he has spent the last ten years working with retiring Prosecuting Attorney Andy Miller who has served Benton County brilliantly for 36 years. There can be no better way to know the job than to be in the middle of it as Ryan has been. Notably, Andy Miller supports Ryan as our next Benton County Prosecuting Attorney.

I am honored to give Ryan Lukson my vote.

Sue Frost, Kennewick

Vote Torres for State Senate

It is our responsibility to honor the voting process by researching the candidates before simply marking our ballots. Choices have consequences, especially at the state and local level. Central Washington needs elected officials who have a deep understanding of our agricultural needs. They must support policies that promote small business and economic growth as well as public safety.

Nikki Torres is the clear choice for State Senate. Her endorsements are outstanding, her track record with community leadership is clear. Nikki’s dedication to public safety and agricultural issues is proven.

Her opponent has no experience in these areas, supports stricter gun laws without ever addressing the criminals who illegally possess firearms or the crime that results. She focuses almost solely on education policies, while never discussing business, agricultural needs or the economy — proving she is not prepared to lead our 15th Legislative District. Nikki Torres is the leader we need in Central Washington.

Jeanene S. Sutton, Yakima

White for Congress

Dan Newhouse was one of 10 Republicans who voted “yes” to impeach Trump for inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. “We had a domestic enemy at the door, and he (Trump) did not respond.” In August, Rep. Newhouse reiterated, “I would do it again.”

As a Democrat, I commend him for taking the moral responsibility for a party that has none.

But Newhouse’s voting record is considerably less admirable. He voted against the American Rescue Plan, presidential election reform, price gouging at the pumps and a $35 cap on insulin.

He accuses Democrats of socialist spending, yet he welcomes federal relief money for community projects in our district. He even takes credit for it!

I’m proud to support Doug White for Congress. He knows that our energy, economic, immigration, health care and environmental problems are interrelated. We can’t effectively solve one without including the other four in our solution. Through his experience managing projects overseas, Doug knows how a proactive plan is essential in getting the job done the right way.

Doug White needs your vote. We the People want less finger pointing and more action in Washington in 2023. Doug is the person to represent the Fourth District.

Richard Gleitsmann, Richland

Law partner is backing Eisinger

It is my pleasure to endorse Eric Eisinger for Benton County prosecutor. Eric has been my law partner for more than 10 years. Eric has always demonstrated the highest level of integrity. He has a strong work ethic, substantial courtroom experience, and a team-player attitude. Eric is an excellent choice for the future of our community.

Craig Walker, Richland

Longtime attorney to vote Rodriguez

I have tried cases in Washington courts for 50 years. I have worked with some very good Judges in these years but also some very bad judges who were interested only in power and personal influence. The bad judges would not pay attention to any testimony, did not know or study any of the legal issues even when given good briefs of the pertinent law by attorneys on both sides, and only made rulings to suit their political ambitions. I have had great difficulty trying to explain to clients why their just claims were ignored.

I have known Norma Rodriguez for 20 years, first as an attorney and then as a Judge. She has excelled in both jobs. Other attorneys agree. She was approved 92% to 7% over her opponent for this judge job. For the sake of Justice, please vote for Norma Rodriguez.

Jim Egan, Kennewick

GOP deceptions

Election season and lies are synonymous, but GOP candidates now have no bounds. Their narrative: Democrats are responsible for the upsurge in crime and inflation; hence vote Republican. Let’s do a reality check.

Inflation is a global phenomenon, not just in America. It’s mostly caused by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the supply chain backups and high governmental spending to keep economies afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter who was currently in the White House, there’d be inflation. But if we had previously emphasized more alternative energy, as Democrats wanted, high gas prices wouldn’t be such a problem now.

In general, is crime up due to a tiny minority of Democrats slightly implementing their “Defund the police” ideology in a few places? No. Crime is up nationally, including in conservative areas. There was a huge surge in gun sales during the pandemic. These guns are now being used in escalating gun violence. By spreading firearms everywhere and neglecting poverty, the GOP has made America’s crime problem much worse.

Repeatedly, GOP policies cause social/environmental harm, to which they never take responsibility; but instead, Republican politicians blame Democrats and insist that a further implementation of their detrimental policies is the solution.

Mark Mansperger, Richland

3 candidates worth your vote

Our country and state are in a disastrous decline and the only path out of that decline is to vote into office people who have the knowledge and values needed to get us all back on the right path. Irrational liberals have pushed and continue to push, policies that are in no one’s best interest, least of all the people of Washington state. I personally endorse Norma Rodriguez for Benton Franklin Superior Court Judge, April Connors for state Legislature, and Tiffany Smiley for U.S. Senate. All three of these candidates have the character and qualifications to serve us best in the Tri Cities and on the national stage, and they have earned my vote.

I would ask all of you to do your research and join me in voting for these candidates to help take back ours, our kids and our grandkids’ futures.

Bill Lampson, Pasco

Issues that voters should consider

If you like Social Security, the Affordable Care Act, setting limits on pharmacy costs, gun safety, reproductive rights (you and your doctor making these healthcare decisions, not the government), you can thank the Democrats who consistently support these issues.

In contrast, the Republicans have consistently voted against them. Although the present economy is primarily a consequence of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, the Republican response is to blame the Democrats. The Republican plan to “help” the economy is to dismantle the Democrats’ accomplishments.

Vote for your interests by voting for Democrats: Doug White for Congress, re-elect Sen. Patty Murray, and elect Steve Hobbs for Secretary of State.

Amedee Marx, Richland

Rodriguez is fair

I have had the good fortune to practice law in the Tri-Cities for over 42 years. As an attorney and a Benton County resident, I can tell you that we are all very fortunate to live in a part of this state with such a great group of judges for both Benton and Franklin counties. Norma Rodriguez is part of that wonderful bench and has already shown, in a short time, the same qualities as a judge that made her a great attorney. She is dedicated, hard working, smart and fair. She was the overwhelming choice of attorneys to be retained as our Superior Court Judge because attorneys who work with her day in and day out recognize that she is the right choice for all of us. Please join me in voting for Norma as Benton Franklin Superior Court Judge.

Jay Flynn, Flynn Merriman McKennon, P.S.