U.S. House of Representatives, 5th District
Donald Barbieri
Democrat
Personal: 58, single with two sons: David, 33, and Stephen, 31.
Education: Bachelor of arts in history and economics from University of Santa Clara, 1968; Attended University of Washington graduate school in urban planning.
Professional: Went to work for Goodale and Barbieri in 1969, serving as president; president and CEO of Cavanaugh Hospitality Corp.; CEO and chairman of the board of WestCoast Hospitality Corp.
Political: Washington Economic Development Commission, 2002-06; chairman of the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce, 2001-02; Washington Economic Development Commission, 1985-89; Washington Tourism Development Commission, 1983-84.
Key issues: Jobs, health care that is affordable and accessible, fiscal responsibility and political unification of the Inland Northwest.
Quote: “We need to look after the economic health of the rural Inland Northwest or the cash registers of Spokane simply will not ring.”
Key influence: Father, Lou Barbieri, and Sister Peter Claver
Favorite book: Whatever is on my bedside table.
First priority if elected: He would hold a retreat for congressmen from Washington’s 4th and 5th districts, as well as Idaho and Montana, to set a vision for attacking the problems of our region.
Cathy McMorris
Republican
Personal: 35, single
Education: Bachelor of arts degree from Pensecola Christian College; master of business administration from the University of Washington
Professional: Worked for family’s orchard, Peachcrest Fruit Basket from 1984 to 1998. Legislative assistant for state Rep. Bob Morton, R-7th District, from 1990 to 1994.
Political: State representative from 1994 to 2004. State House minority leader since 2002, when she stepped down to run for Congress.
Key issues: Economy and jobs (“I would lower taxes and reduce regulatory burden”); Health care through tort reform; National security (“Doing everything possible to protect Fairchild Air Force Base and veterans hospitals); Agriculture (addressing the Endangered Species act to consider its economic impact and make it more incentive driven).
Quote: “I have the proven leadership and proven record needed right now to represent Eastern Washington.”
Key influence: State Sen. Bob Morton
Favorite book: “Radical Son” by David Horowitz
First priority if elected: “I would increase job opportunities by ensuring we have a strong infrastructure, by expanding education and training opportunities, and by reducing the regulatory and tax burden and making us more self-sufficient in our energy supply.”