For the first time in 12 years, Washington voters are electing a new governor. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends Democrat Bob Ferguson.
As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to foster discussion and provide information. The Columbian trusts that voters will study the candidates and the issues before casting an informed ballot.
Ferguson has spent 12 years as the state’s attorney general and has political positions that typically align with a majority of Washingtonians. He has been an engaged attorney general, defending the rights and interests of residents while using his position to advocate for meaningful policy changes.
Ferguson is running against Republican Dave Reichert, a former King County sheriff and seven-term congressional representative. During an interview with the Editorial Board, Ferguson clearly articulated the differences between the candidates.
“On core freedoms,” he said, “Dave Reichert is wildly out of step with a majority of Washington residents.” In Congress, Reichert voted to weaken protections for abortion rights and to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Reichert says that as governor he will uphold Washington’s abortion law.
Ferguson also said: “I do not think we can afford to have a governor at this stage who denies the science of climate change.”
Ideally, Reichert would be willing to discuss and debate these positions. But his campaign did not respond to repeated requests to meet with the Editorial Board.
That, however, is not an adequate reason to favor Ferguson over Reichert. Instead, we embrace Ferguson’s vision for the state and his commitment to improving the lives of its residents.
When asked how his administration would differ from that of outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee, Ferguson said: “A focus of mine is my strong feeling that there is too much bureaucracy in state government.” He added a specific proposal: “If you try to get a permit and the state is late in getting that to you, you don’t pay for that permit.”
Regarding the issue of housing and homelessness, he proposed creating a cabinet-level position to oversee and bolster construction, and he set a goal of adding 200,000 housing units in four years.
Regarding education funding, which has been transformed following a 2012 state Supreme Court decision, Ferguson said: “Post-McCleary, the percentage of our budget that goes to education has gone down. That’s going to change when I’m governor.”
It is easy to make bold statements during a campaign, but Ferguson’s performance as attorney general suggests that he can bring those statements to life.
His office has challenged pharmaceutical companies in court, winning $1.2 billion for first responders and treatment. More than $35 million of that has gone to Clark County, he said. Ferguson has taken the lead in pushing the Legislature to pass sensible laws in an effort to reduce gun violence.
Reichert would make a capable executive. But Ferguson’s detailed plans, broad vision for the state and demonstrated performance make him the superior candidate.
“Past performance,” he said, “is usually your best indication of future performance.”
The Editorial Board recommends Bob Ferguson for governor.
