Video looks at Stonier-Topper race

Voters of the 49th Legislative District have a tough choice.

Two Democrats — both with impressive résumés, who are philosophically aligned with the left-leaning district — are vying to replace Rep. Jim Moeller in the statehouse.

Since 2008, Washington’s top-two primary allows candidates who receive the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, to move to the general election.

This election, former state Rep. Monica Stonier and current Vancouver City Councilor Alishia Topper are hoping to represent the 49th district in Olympia.

Since the primary, The Columbian periodically touched based with the two candidates on the campaign trail.

The goal was to give readers insight into what it takes to campaign and also highlight any differences between the candidates.

In the midst of the race, a lot of outside money started pouring into Stonier’s campaign. The Washington Education Association, the teachers union, has spent more than $440,000 to help Stonier.

To hear directly from the candidates on their race, check out The Columbian’s video accompanying this story.