Diane Tebelius, Deb Eddy endorsed in the 48th District

THE Eastside's 48th Legislative District swings red and blue. It is best represented by strong, independent voices from both political parties. For the state House of Representatives The Seattle Times endorses Republican Diane Tebelius and Democrat Deb Eddy.

For Position 1, Tebelius offers a voice of fiscal reason in a season of tax insanity. A former federal prosecutor and George H.W. Bush appointee to the U.S. Trustee's office, she worked as a watchdog for fraud and abuse in the bankruptcy-court system.

Tebelius hits the right notes on state budgeting and governance.

Tebelius is poised to address Olympia's spending problem. She is a proponent of tightly focused government priorities, a cause championed by former Gov. Gary Locke. She points out that opportunities have been lost to capture savings in state spending. For example, a state audit in 2007 found $50 million in potential savings in the state ferry system.

On these things, Rep. Ross Hunter has failed to lead. Over the past several bienniums, as the Democrats controlled the legislative agenda, lawmakers could have used the Medina Democrat's voice and oft-touted grasp of fiscal issues. Instead, as chair of the House Finance Committee, Hunter was the architect of a budget that raised $757 million in taxes.

Tebelius, a longtime resident of Bellevue, is a former Washington State Republican Party chairwoman. Electing a few more suburban Republicans could restore some balance and constructive tension between the parties.

Tebelius is best for the important job of marrying fiscal prudence with state priorities. She was a former board member for six years of Childhaven, which helps abused and neglected children, and knows the importance of a social-safety net.

Tebelius would not have voted to suspend the two-thirds vote required before the Legislature can raise taxes. Hunter voted to suspend it. Tebelius understands the voter-approved requirement was a critical check and balance on state taxation.

For Position 2, Rep. Eddy has been a hard worker and steady voice on critical issues. The Kirkland Democrat is a member of the Roadkill Caucus, moderate Democrats who pledge to work with Republicans in Olympia. She knows her district, its strengths and challenges, having served as mayor of Kirkland and a member of its City Council.

Her opponent is Republican Philip Wilson.

Lawmakers in the next legislative session will grapple with a $4.5 billion deficit. Tebelius and Eddy are best suited to navigate the political tensions and divisions in Olympia and help dig Washington out of its budget doldrums.