Joe Pakootas, candidate for the 5th Congressional District seat, says what he means and means what he says. No hedging bets or tailoring answers to specific audiences and he actually states his position on the pressing issues confronting our district and the nation.

Dave Wilson, who ran as a Democrat two years ago, is now seeking the “Independent” vote. He states that he is socially liberal, but fiscally conservative. However, he doesn’t have an answer as to how he will pay for his socially liberal programs with his fiscally conservative pocketbook. When pressed for specific stands on issues, he only offers a laundry list of possibilities.

Wilson seems to dance to whatever tune is playing at the moment and even says if elected he will caucus with the party in power. He’s apparently comfortable swinging both ways and has no particular allegiance to a set of core values.

Republican Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the current representative, has offered 10 years of meaningless platitudes, prayers and thanks as well as “market-based,” aka corporate-bought, solutions. She is not a friend to her constituents; rather, she’s become the quintessential D.C. politician.

My vote is going to Joe Pakootas for Congress.

Linda McHenry

Spokane