Locke, Craswell Clash In Debate Governor Candidates Trade Jabs Over Religion, Taxes And Spending

Ellen Craswell said Wednesday night the Bible is the bedrock of her political philosophy, a view that Gary Locke, her rival in the governor’s race, said was too narrow to serve a diverse population.

In their first live televised debate, Republican Craswell sharply questioned Democrat Locke’s shifting position on a state income tax while Locke called Craswell “fiscally irresponsible” for backing a 30 percent reduction in the state budget.

The candidates showed starkly different views on issues ranging from civil rights for homosexuals to the proper role of government in helping the poor.

Asked by a reporter to “explain what role the Bible plays in policy making,” Craswell said she would govern based on the Constitution, and “the Constitution comes from the Bible. Our whole criminal justice system comes from the 10 Commandments, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t steal.”

She hastened to add, however, that she would defend religious freedom as a constitutional principle and would not expect others to share her Christian faith.

“My faith is the most important thing to me, and I’d love it if everybody shared my faith, but I would defend” others’ rights to their own beliefs, said Craswell, a former state senator from Poulsbo.

Locke, a former state House member and now King County Executive, said he is a religious person and respects Craswell’s faith.

But “We cannot run government simply based on the Bible. There are simply too many other religions,” he said, and citizens need a “clear line” between church and state.

Craswell needled Locke over his shifting views regarding asking voters to amend the state Constitution to impose a state income tax. He favored the idea during his legislative career earlier this decade, but said Wednesday, as he has in several past forums, that he no longer does.

“I’m not sure what your position is,” Craswell said at one point in the debate at Seattle University.

Craswell staunchly opposes an income tax and favors slashing existing business and property taxes.

Her proposal to cut the state budget by 30 percent over four years drew strong reaction from Locke.

He observed that primary and secondary education, by law, consume about half the budget, so the 30 percent reduction would fall on the other half.

That would “decimate” higher education and human services programs, he said.

Craswell said big tax and budget cuts would stimulate the economy and create jobs, reducing the need for government programs. A champion of “privatizing” many government programs, she said government has become so big that it threatens the basic freedom of citizens.

Craswell said she considered homosexuality a lifestyle choice and not something worthy of civil rights protections. Locke said gays and lesbians are “part of the fabric” of a diverse society and deserve protection from discrimination.

Craswell said she believes welfare programs eventually should be eliminated and replaced by charity from churches, volunteers and non-profit groups.

Locke said the state faces a serious challenge meeting the needs of the poor due to federal welfare overhaul and budget cuts.