We should stick with what works

Every four years, Washington voters get a reminder of how many statewide offices are filled by election. Two or three are high-profile affairs — governor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction — but the other six are largely mysteries.

Those offices, discussed below, tend to call for specialized expertise. In recommending candidates, we look at it this way, we believe an incumbent who’s done a good job deserves re-election unless a challenger makes a compelling case for change.

Secretary of state

Secretary of State Sam Reed fought to protect the blanket primary system that Washingtonians had used for 68 years. But when it was declared unconstitutional and replaced with a cumbersome primary this fall, Reed put the full energy, money and time of his office into making sure the voters understood the new system.

The primary went smoothly. Republican Reed, who was elected in 2000 after five terms as Thurston County auditor, also moved forward in his first term, digitizing state records and streamlining the state library.

His opponent, Democrat Laura Ruderman, has been a state representative for six years. She’s an energetic candidate who has used attack ads rather than focusing on issues, even though she is well-informed about those. She accuses Reed of ethical violations, such as using a state car to attend an editorial board endorsement meeting at the Everett Herald.

We’d remind Reed to adhere to the strictest of ethics when conducting his own campaign as an example to all other campaigns. For that same reason, this race should have stayed issue-based and positive. We recommend Reed.

Insurance commissioner

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ruled this year that it was not in the best interests of consumers for Premera Blue Cross to become a for-profit company. Before making the decision, he held eight public hearings throughout the state and heard from consumers, doctors, hospital administrators and medical insurance experts. He received input from more than 6,000 individuals.

His office’s task is to make sure that all types of insurance sold here allow those consumers a good value. And to make certain that insurance companies operate in a predictable and effective environment. Kreidler’s done a good job at both tasks. Republican John Adams, a lifelong insurance professional, says he would have ruled the same way on the Premera conversion, only faster. The valuable information Kreidler collected this year will allow his office to do an even better job. He gets our recommendation.

Treasurer

Democrat Mike Murphy is trying for his third term as treasurer. Murphy, a former Thurston County treasurer, has the backing of almost all the county treasurers in the state. Even his opponent, Republican Oscar Lewis, says Murphy has done an excellent job serving as the state’s banker. Lewis got into the race out of the belief voters should have choices.

Murphy’s office has done a good job guaranteeing that taxpayer money is used to full capacity. For instance, his office helps school districts throughout the state trade at the best bond rate possible guaranteed by state backing. Murphy is the choice in this race.

Lieutenant governor

Brad Owen, state lieutenant governor, stands in for the governor when he is unavailable, presides over the state Senate, breaks ties when necessary and acts as the state’s ambassador for trade and the economy. The Democrat, first elected in 1996, has received good reviews for maintaining civility on the Senate floor and working well with legislators from both parties.

His Republican opponent, Jim Wiest of Olympia, owns a small limousine company. He said he hopes to create more jobs, but could not articulate his specific plan. Owen has easily earned a third term and our recommendation.

Commissioner of public lands

Doug Sutherland, reared in Spokane before attending college in Ellensburg, grasps Eastern Washington issues and has an impressive leadership resume in both business and government. Republican Sutherland is a solid candidate for re-election as commissioner of public lands.

Democratic state Rep. Mike Cooper is a Shoreline Fire Department firefighter and chairman of the House Fisheries, Ecology and Parks Committee. He thinks the state should be more restrictive about harvesting the timber that helps pay for school construction and other state programs.

A 10-year harvest plan approved last month already has been scaled down from a higher level – with Sutherland’s support. Sutherland’s reasonable and balanced approach to land management has earned him a second term.

Auditor

Brian Sonntag, a superb state auditor, has sharpened the office’s attention to its watchdog role over state and local agencies. He has saved taxpayers money and helped make government more efficient and accessible. He is respected for his professionalism and non-partisanship.

Sonntag, a Democrat, faces Tacoma Republican Will Baker, known in Pierce County for disrupting county and city council meetings — antics that have landed him in jail some 19 times. Even GOP Chris Vance said he regrets putting Baker’s name on the ballot after no Republican filed against Sonntag

Recommending Sonntag for re-election is the easiest call on the ballot.