The Times endorses
Change in the 4th

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive Most read articles Most e-mailed articles

It's time for change in the 4th Congressional District. Democratic challenger Sandy Matheson's private-sector experience and civic résumé offer an opportunity for 4th District voters to elect a representative with a specific expertise in health care and a moderate political view.

Congressman Doc Hastings of Pasco has had 10 years in the seat. Some community leaders complain he seems more focused on the national Republican agenda than concerns in the district. Disappointingly, he is not conversant on a bipartisan immigration-reform proposal that is supported by growers and farm-labor workers but differs from President Bush's proposal.

He deserves credit for starting a House nuclear caucus to fight for Hanford funding. But some cleanup advocates say they must go to other members of Congress to get help standing up to the Bush administration on key points of contention.

Hastings defends his conservative record, pointing out the district is strongly Republican.

But Matheson of Kennewick makes a persuasive argument her "centrist" politics would make her meticulously attentive to district issues. As the nation grapples with the mounting urgency of health-care issues, she offers her experience in the health-care industry as the former CEO of a Hanford contractor focused on worker health issues.

Before Hastings was elected in 1994, he said he thought 10 years in Congress would be a good run. He's right. Voters should retire him in favor of a candidate who will turn her attention more closely to the interests of the district.

The Times endorses Sandy Matheson for the 4th Congressional District seat.