The two congressional races on Spokane County ballots feature the 5th Congressional District and a U.S. Senate seat. U.S. Senate: You won’t see U.S. Sen. Patty Murray on TV pounding the partisan talking points and widening the divide. That doesn’t mean she isn’t partisan (she is a close adviser to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid), but it shows she has the temperament to keep the door open to negotiation and compromise. The popular narrative is that Congress is hopelessly gridlocked, but it’s only partly true.

Democratic challenger Joe Pakootas calls on U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to withdraw her backing of Donald Trump. She says no.

We support Dave Wilson’s ideas, but we’re also realists. Cathy McMorris Rodgers is in a strong leadership position and can help the district on issues such as protecting Fairchild Air Force Base.

Four of the faces in the race for Washington’s 5th Congressional District seat are familiar, one is new. Those hoping to unseat Cathy McMorris Rodgers say they believe voter discontent with the major parties at the top of the ticket could lead to success in November.

Congressional candidates Dave Wilson has released a list of suspicious organizations that opponent Joe Pakootas claimed endorsed his campaign in 2014 or 2016. Pakootas says Wilson released the list as a reaction to being denied an offer to hold exclusive policy discussions forums between the two candidates.

Candidates for federal state, legislative and county races have until Friday to file for office.