Republican Candidate In 3rd District Will Talk To Wide Range Of People Electronics Technician Seeks Seat Vacated By Lisa Brown

An Itron electronics technician will run for the state Legislature this year, promising to talk to a wide range of people and “meet everybody in the middle.”

Asa Jay Laughton, 32, said Friday he will run as a Republican for the 3rd District state House of Representatives seat being vacated by Democrat Lisa Brown.

Laughton, a graduate of Medical Lake High School and Spokane Community College, said he favors tax reductions and less government spending, but is not yet ready to suggest ways to accomplish them.

He would like the state to offer tax breaks to businesses “to allow them to hire more people.” He wants to reform welfare while protecting the benefits that are in place.

He would like to find ways that public schools would spend less on administration and more in the classroom.

“I’d like to put in more programs that help people,” he said. “I’d also like to put in more checks and balances. We have too many people living their lives on welfare.”

If elected, Laughton would represent central Spokane’s 3rd District, which has one of the highest percentages of people receiving state assistance.

Laughton said he wouldn’t push for new rules on campaign contributions, saying the real solution is having candidates with good ethics.

“I figure any money is good money if I can use it in my campaign. I won’t be swayed by a committee’s contribution,” he said.

Laughton describes himself as “pro-life,” and generally opposes abortion, but would make some exceptions for rape and incest victims if they receive proper counseling first.

He is the first Republican to announce for the position. Alex Wood, a former radio talk-show host, is the lone Democrat in the race thus far.

Laughton will announce his candidacy at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Mission Park swimming pool.

, DataTimes