The 4th Legislative District and its small businesses sit right next to Idaho with a lower sales tax and a regulatory climate that many consider less hostile than Washington’s.

Democrat Tim Hattenburg concedes that the state business and occupation tax is onerous. He also thinks moderation is needed in the fluctuation of industrial insurance tax rates. But he’s not sold that Washington’s rules and regulations are as much of a disincentive as some claim.

Hattenburg is challenging 24-year veteran Sen. Bob McCaslin, a Republican who believes vacant storefronts along Sprague affirm businesses’ concern. Hattenburg is an energetic candidate with good ideas about caring for the needy and creating jobs. But McCaslin is seasoned enough to know that the state budget needs to be in order before much investment can take place in social programs.

In an aboveboard campaign, Hattenburg says McCaslin has been in office too long. Experience is no handicap, though. McCaslin is the stronger candidate.

In the district’s House seats, Republican Reps. Lynn Schindler and Larry Crouse have a more realistic grasp of issues than their rivals.

Democrat Jim Peck, challenging Crouse, is a bright candidate with compassionate ideas in the face of a $1 billion state revenue shortfall. He’s sensitive to small business’ woes, but doesn’t provide convincing ideas for addressing short-term budget needs.

Crouse takes an open-minded approach to regulatory issues, but he understands the need to eliminate barriers to job creation as a first step.

Schindler’s challenger, Democrat Ed Foote, says the egregious workplace ergonomics rule that voters repealed last year was there “for a reason” and he would restore it if he could. Schindler may actually be overzealous in her opposition to regulations, but she recognizes that excessive mandates curtail jobs and benefits.