The Seattle Times endorses Republican Nancy Wyatt in the 47th Legislative District

ANYONE listening to campaign talk in the 47th Legislative District knows either of two challengers to incumbent Rep. Geoff Simpson could go to Olympia and change the way the state manages the budget.

But only one, Nancy Wyatt, has a compelling mix of experience with business and a nimble approach to governing required in yet another daunting budget year. She is endorsed for Position 1.

The South King County seat is currently held by Simpson, who has been in the Legislature a decade but has not distinguished himself as an out-of-the-box thinker, especially on spending matters. At the moment, Simpson has his hands full, being charged recently with gross misdemeanor assault in a domestic-violence incident involving his ex-wife. His district needs someone with more time to focus on constituents' needs.

Wyatt is a sensible Republican with a résumé that suggests plenty of skills that translate to the task at hand. As current president of the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, she knows what businesses need. She knows her district well, having also done a six-year stint as president of the Covington Chamber of Commerce. She was involved in "Preview Covington," an economic-development program touting the area's potential to investors. In Auburn, she is working to bring new jobs to that community.

Wyatt received a "very good" rating from the Municipal League, higher than her opponent, Mark Hargrove, who received "good." Simpson was rated "adequate."

Hargrove is a Boeing instructor pilot with deep roots in the community. But he is a hard-line Republican who signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a promise never to raise taxes. Such gimmicks are impractical and reflect rigidity that hamstrings a lawmaker later.

Voters in the 47th, which includes parts of Fairwood, Renton, Maple Valley, Kent's East Hill, Covington, Auburn and Black Diamond, would be wise to vote for Wyatt, a practical individual who can bring Main Street sensitivities to big statewide problems.