Leadership Means Backing Off In ‘96 Political Toll: State’s Voters Shouldn’t Have To Face A No-Win Situation In ‘96.

How many times, voters, have you stepped into the voting booth, looked at your choices and felt like holding your nose? Could would-be candidates play a role in restoring public participation in democracy? For instance, what if the nation’s best talent started filing for office? What if deeply flawed contenders deemed it a service to back off?

Those questions came to mind recently as Washington Gov. Mike Lowry acknowledged he will pay former press aide Susanne Albright $97,500 to settle Albright’s sexual harassment allegations. Lowry admitted no wrongs in the settlement, but the cash says otherwise.

So the question is: Will Lowry run again for governor in 1996 anyway? And what about other Democrats? Will they run, maybe against Lowry? It takes a good deal of money and organizational preparedness to run a successful statewide campaign. To run for governor often requires a candidate to give up a current job.

In many races - not just the governor’s race - would-be candidates are making fateful decisions right now. Will 1996 present voters with another round of noxious choices? Between some religious-right zealot, perhaps, and a scandal-stained incumbent?

Lowry has said he’s proud of his record and would like to run again, though he acknowledges the sexual harassment charge has been rough on his family. Certainly, Lowry’s legacy in government gives him reason for pride. He has shown leadership and courage in working for health care reform, regulatory reform, sound tax levels and the preservation of valued state services. But the sexual harassment allegations were well-founded enough and went back far enough in his past that he was indeed wise to settle.

And the issue isn’t dead. The Republicans would find ways to raise it if he runs again. Lowry seems oddly unable to recognize how disturbing the allegations are. It’s a blind spot that could hurt his party and the things he believes in, as well as his career.

Some potentially outstanding candidates are waiting to see if Lowry will run. State Attorney General Christine Gregoire, for example. And Seattle Sen. Nita Rinehart. Neither has been a shrinking violet so far in her career; this is no time to become one.

In each race, from governor on down, the voters deserve good contests between viable Republicans and viable Democrats. It is a sign of a worthy leader to get involved. And sometimes, leaders can distinguish themselves by letting others carry on democracy’s work.

, DataTimes MEMO: See also Rebecca Nappi’s view under headline “Respect must rule workplace behavior”