Candidate Served Time

Fri., Aug. 7, 1998

The lone Democratic challenger to Republican Doc Hastings served six days in jail in 1996 for simple assault, an experience he says would bring a unique perspective to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gordon Pross, 43, confirmed for party faithful Wednesday that he was arrested in 1988 for attempting to elude a police officer in nearby Ellensburg and he spent nearly a week in jail in 1996 for simple assault.

He said he was wrongly accused in both cases and added that great men in the Bible spent time in jail.

Pross is a former Army navigator from Ellensburg who says he’s recovering from a constructionrelated injury.

A key issue in his campaign, he said, will be reforming the courts so that fairness is provided to all, even those who cannot afford justice.

Two Reform Party candidates also are seeking the $136,700-a-year job. Peggy S. McKerlie of Wenatchee and Ron C. Rouston of Benton City will face off in the Sept. 15 primary, with the winner advancing as the Reform Party candidate to the Nov. 3 general election.

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