Wilson for Congress

In last week’s debate between Washington Congressional District #5 challenger Dave Wilson and incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers, both parties answered the moderator’s questions without a single incidence of interrupting the other candidate. It was civility par excellence—a reminder that decency in politics, while perhaps on life support, is not yet dead. Wilson set the tone by noting in his opening statement that “(McMorris Rodgers) is my political opponent, not my enemy.”

When asked who her political mentor was, McMorris Rodgers named the late Sen. Slade Gorton whom she described as extraordinarily brilliant, humble, hardworking, highly regarded and respected — “the epitome of a public servant.” I concur.

As the debate concluded, however, I began to realize an irony: What Rep. McMorris Rodgers rightly appreciated in Sen. Gorton is utterly undetectable in the president whom she supports. I began to feel Wilson’s frustration that a “warm and friendly person”—his description of McMorris Rodgers—has not stood up for us against the president on something as critical as his mishandling of COVID-19.

I like Rep. McMorris Rodgers, but I do not respect her failure to protect us when doing so would put her is President Trump’s crosshairs. Wilson gets my vote.

Dick Smith

Spokane