When longtime Republican state Sen. Don Benton announced he was retiring, state Rep. Paul Harris thought briefly about running to replace the senator.
It was a fleeting thought, Harris said, and it clarified how much he enjoys serving in the House.
“I’m really happy with where I’m at. I think I’m respected by my colleagues, and it’s a great fit for me and the district,” Harris said.
Now, he’s focused on staying. The Republican from Vancouver is seeking re-election to his fourth term and is facing a challenge from Democrat Martin Hash.
If re-elected, Harris would serve as a ranking member on the House Education Committee. He’s been meeting with a group of lawmakers during the interim to discuss the looming public school funding crisis the state is facing.
Harris said he is hopeful that an uptick in the economy along with a levy swap will be enough to adequately fund the state’s public school system.
He also would continue to work to raise the smoking age to 21 and look to lower the amount of milligrams of opioids that could be administered to patients.
Harris, who is a health care consultant and marketer, said the Southwest Washington legislative delegation has been working together to address the Interstate 5 Bridge.
The focus of the group, he said, is on the I-5 corridor.
“I believe we’ve come together, so we just need to get the rest of the legislative body. … And we’re reaching out to make sure Oregon is ready to move forward,” Harris said.
Hash is a Vancouver entrepreneur who made money developing 3-D animation software. He has run for office before, including in 2008 when he campaigned for Benton’s seat.
Hash, who declined to comment to The Columbian except by email, wrote that he would “represent Washington residents being exploited by Oregon income taxes, make sure Clark County is getting back as much taxes as it is paying to Olympia and keep a careful watch over any tentative Columbia River bridge projects that reeked of crony capitalism or muscling by Portland.”
Hash said he’s received a variety of degrees, ranging from a master’s in business administration from the University of Portland, a juris doctorate from Lewis & Clark Law School, and Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Idaho.
Hash, who has released a feature-length 3-D animated movie “Tin Woodman of Oz,” said he’s at the point in his life “where the best use of my qualifications and skills is for public benefit.”
Hash has a political podcast called “Pray tell, Dr. Hash.”
