Re-elect state Sen. Karen Keiser in the 33rd Legislative District

STATE Sen. Karen Keiser, a Democrat in South King County's 33rd Legislative District, is an experienced, knowledgeable lawmaker who must be relied upon to help right Washington's state budget problems.

Keiser serves a district that includes SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and parts of Kent and Tukwila. She served three terms in the state House of Representatives until she was appointed to the Senate in 2001.

Keiser, chair of the Health & Long-Term Care Committee, has represented the state in national discussions about how best to apply and harmonize new federal health-insurance options with state programs. The task has huge fiscal as well as policy impacts.

This editorial page expects her to lead the fight for tougher oversight of adult family homes. A Seattle Times investigative series, "Seniors for Sale," exposed the suffering and abuse inside a lightly regulated industry that operates with impunity.

Keiser is vice-chair of the Labor, Commerce and Consumer Committee, and serves on the Ways & Means and Rules committees. Her seniority and legislative skills put her in these positions, and the fiscal and budget crisis offer a moment for Keiser to shine.

This is not the race to break in and train a new state senator with no previous elected experience.

Republican Jack Michalek is a longtime district resident and veteran of the air-cargo industry. A credible candidate but no replacement for Keiser's legislative strengths.