Time to replace Tucker

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Stevens claims Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Tucker is an “absent administrator.” He’s right. I referred to Tucker as a “phantom prosecutor” in a guest editorial for the Inlander (Aug. 18, 2005) to encourage people to challenge Tucker in 2006.

I discussed Tucker’s narrow win in 1998 over James Sweetser, his efforts to help serial killer Robert Yates avoid the death penalty in Pierce County (which fortunately failed; Yates is awaiting execution), and his lenient handling of serious DUI cases which outraged the statewide executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.

When only one challenger appeared, I decided to run. Surprisingly, the Spokane County Democratic Party refused to endorse either Bob Caruso or myself. I always believed Tucker was really their candidate, being a RINO (Republican In Name Only). Tucker ran as a Republican in 1998 because he didn’t think he could beat Sweetser in the primary as a Democrat. Caruso won the primary, but unfortunately Tucker prevailed in the 2006 general election.

Stevens is an excellent candidate to challenge Tucker. He’s an experienced, aggressive prosecutor who cares about protecting the public. This important race may see additional candidates. It’s definitely time for a change.

Jim Reierson

Spokane