Editorial Page staff
The Seattle Times
Ann Anderson is the right choice for lieutenant governor of Washington.
As a member of the state Senate for over a decade, Anderson is prepared to preside over that body as lieutenant governor and conduct the office's other duties representing the people of Washington. She has served Whatcom County in the Senate with energy and clear principles, attributes she can be expected to take with her to the executive branch.
This year, candidates for the office vacated by the popular Joel Pritchard have tried to redefine the job and elevate its status as a state office. One candidate saw it as a roving trade ambassador, another as an opportunity to deal with drugs and youth. Anderson tried to resurrect her interest in regulatory reform and sees the lieutenant governor's desk as a platform for that cause.
There's no need for any of that. The lieutenant governor has little power but serves the state in the governor's absence and by wielding the gavel in the Senate. Anderson pledges to behave as a good steward of the state if the governor leaves office or simply leaves the state for a few days.
