Snoho sheriff's race not arresting

Snohomish County voters will suffer if the race for the top law-enforcement post is reduced to a name-familiarity contest.

State Rep. John Lovick came in first in a three-way primary race with virtually no campaign at all. The veteran legislator is retired from the Washington State Patrol, but he has said almost nothing about what he wants to do if elected sheriff. Lovick has served his constituents well in Olympia and his numerous campaigns have made him a comfortable fixture on the ballot. That will be a challenge for Tom Greene, the departmental bureau chief, who oversees administration in the sheriff's office.

Greene finished about 4 percentage points behind Lovick. A strong race will serve the public. Each candidate has to explain why he wants the job. Coasting into November is a crime.

Lt. Rob Beidler brought a lot of energy and ideas to his campaign. His endorsement will be interesting to watch and evaluate as the race to replace Sheriff Rich Bart, out on term limits, develops.