Election Center
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A recap of all races in the Washington and Idaho 2014 Election
Here’s a look at the contested races and ballot measures affecting Spokane and Kootenai counties on the Nov. 4 primary election ballot. The 5th Congressional District sprawls across much of the eastern fourth of Washington, all or parts of 10 counties stretching from Canada to Oregon, with about half of the voters in Spokane County. Except for the cities of Pullman and Walla Walla, the other nine counties have been solidly Republican in congressional and presidential elections for the last 20 years when a novice Republican defeated a Democrat who was the sitting speaker of the House. Incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers has risen steadily in House GOP leadership during her 10 years in Congress. To get a sixth term, she must defeat Joe Pakootas, a leader of the Colville Confederated Tribes and the chief executive officer of its business operations, who accuses McMorris Rodgers of spending so much time in Washington, D.C., that she’s lost touch with a district that struggles with high unemployment while House Republicans waste time on things like multiple votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The term is two years and the position pays $174,000 per year.
Uncontested races
A look at Spokane and Kootenai counties’ ballots. Washington
Elway Poll: Voters split on gun initiatives
Elway Poll: Voters split on gun initiatives
Election 2014: Experience at issue in county treasurer race
The candidates fighting for the job of Spokane County treasurer agree on one thing: The post should go to someone who understands investments and government finance. They differ, of course, on why they believe their opponent is less qualified for the job.
Election 2014: I-591, I-594 differ over gun control
The duel between gun-control initiatives is not just a high-stakes clash between philosophies; it also pits a measure that’s short and sweet against one that features in-depth detail. Initiative 591, supported by state and national groups who tout their support of the Second Amendment, is one of the shortest measures to make the ballot in recent memory. Its 191 words would bar any illegal seizures of guns and wouldn’t allow Washington to change its background check laws unless there’s a new national standard.
Spin Control: Seattle’s Indigenous People’s Day misses the mark
Monday is cause for minor celebration in Spokane as one of the few weekdays of the year in which “free parking” is not just a square on the Monopoly board. The city sets aside a handful of holidays to spare motorists the expense of plugging meters, but most are days like Thanksgiving and Christmas, during which there’s less demand for parking spaces except from the poor working stiffs who must come to the office to man the phones or monitor the computers while everyone else is home with the family.
6th Legislative District Senate race questions and answers
Both candidates were asked five questions and allowed up to 50 words for each response. Their answers are listed below and appear in the same order as the candidates will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. What is your top priority and how specifically would you achieve that?
Editorial: Horton has solid showing as assessor, deserves vote
Four years ago, Vicki Horton emerged from a field of six candidates to unseat incumbent Spokane County Assessor Ralph Baker, who was then her boss. Confidence in Baker’s administration of the office had been undermined by internal complaints about his management style and often obtuse relations with the public. There also were claims of favoritism in the valuations, or total lack thereof. Nevertheless, we endorsed Baker on the strength of his office’s performance versus those in other Washington counties, and the implementation of technology that even his foes did not fault.
Republicans Horton, Trainor vie for Spokane County assessor
The Spokane County Assessor’s Office places well on state tests measuring its performance despite dwindling budgets and staffing levels. Incumbent Assessor Vicki Horton, who took over the office by defeating her boss, then-Assessor Ralph Baker, in the 2010 election, credits the work of her employees for that continued level of service.
County agrees to $350,000 settlement with jail inmates
More than 1,000 people jailed in Spokane County in the past six years for failing to pay court-ordered fines will benefit from a class-action lawsuit that prompted the jail to change policy. The settlement, valued at about $350,000, applies to all those booked into the jail for what the courts call legal financial obligations – fees, fines and court-ordered restitution that haven’t been paid.
Judge hopefuls focus on experience
Some of the challengers running against incumbent Spokane County District Court judges are demanding reform. Timothy Trageser, a longtime Spokane criminal defense attorney, isn’t one of them. He says the court is in “pretty good shape.” Instead, he’s stressing his background in criminal law.
Judge candidate Trageser questions Leland’s sign placement
Judge candidate Trageser questions Leland’s sign placement
Shawn Vestal: Arritola, Shea both were in good form for debate
Everybody says they want more civility in politics. But there is nothing quite so bracing as an old-fashioned political fistfight in a room full of people who give a damn. Josh Arritola and Rep. Matt Shea swung hard at each other Monday night, in what will probably be the sole debate between the two Republican candidates for a 4th District legislative seat. The room was packed and buzzing, and each candidate was well-prepared with specifics and fast on his feet. As with a prize fight, one might have wondered just who was edified by the spectacle, but it was fun as heck to watch.
Q & A with Spokane County auditor candidates
The two candidates for Spokane County auditor respond to several questions.
Shea, Arritola spar in GOP debate; Wilhite, McCaslin outline stances
Twenty minutes before a Republican debate in Spokane Valley, the Greenacres venue filled to capacity and late-comers were being turned away. The room, packed with 150 people, became stifling with heat. It didn’t take much longer for things to heat up between the candidates.
Success with 10-year bond drives Spokane levy for streets
If there’s one thing Jim West would want to be remembered for, it’s probably pavement. In his race to become Spokane’s mayor in 2003, West promised to remake the city’s pockmarked streets into ribbons of smooth asphalt.
Candidates say county commission race about leadership style
The candidates locked in a tight race for the Spokane County Commission say November’s vote is a decision between two distinct leadership styles. Democrat Mary Lou Johnson, making her first attempt at elected office, paints incumbent Republican Al French as a divisive politician unwilling to compromise. French calls Johnson’s promise to create a collaborative approach on the commission a way to bog down decision making, frustrating job growth and leading to wishy-washy outcomes.
WSU, UW negotiating solution over control of medical program
Democratic state Senate challenger Rich Cowan threw his support Thursday behind Washington State University’s bid to operate its own medical school without having to rely on the University of Washington. “We need a world-class medical school headquartered here in Spokane,” Cowan said. “A WSU medical school with its own mission that serves our community and the surrounding area.”
Q&A with prosecutor candidates Haskell, Beggs
Spokane County prosecuting attorney candidates were allowed 50 words to respond to each of five questions. Their responses are listed in the order the candidates appear on the ballot. Why are you running for county prosecutor?
Spokane County sheriff candidates Q&A
Spokane County sheriff candidates were allowed 50 words to respond to each of five questions. Their responses are listed in the order the candidates appear on the ballot. How should the county address jail crowding?