The Seattle Times endorses ...
— Seattle Times editorial staff
U.S. President
The Times endorses Sen. JOHN KERRY, the Democrat, in no small part because of the war in Iraq. Kerry offers a more rational approach to the war and better ideas about working with our allies. Kerry has the right stance on combating terrorism, protecting the environment, affirmative action, abortion and domination of the media by large conglomerates.
U.S. Senate
Incumbent Democrat PATTY MURRAY has earned a third term by dogged work on behalf of Washington families. Murray is the senator everybody loves to underestimate, but a close look at her record reveals a senator who votes smart on pocketbook issues, who defends Northwest environmental values and delivers the goods for Washington.
U.S. Congress
• Several Democratic incumbents are almost automatic shoe-ins because Republicans did not offer serious challengers. We support the re-election of Democratic Reps. JAY INLSEE in the 1st District, RICK LARSEN in the 2nd, BRIAN BAIRD in the 3rd, NORM DICKS in the 6th, JIM MCDERMOTT in the 7th and ADAM SMITH in the 9th.
• In the hotly contested race in the 8th District of eastern King and Pierce counties, Democrat DAVE ROSS, radio talk-show host, is endorsed over his Republican opponent, King County Sheriff Dave Reichert. Ross' moderation and broad sophistication on wider world issues makes him the better candidate.
• Democrat SANDY MATHESON is our choice in Central Washington's 4th Congressional District. Matheson's private-sector experience and civic résumé offer an opportunity for voters to elect a representative with expertise in health care and a moderate political view. Incumbent Republican Doc Hastings seems more focused on national Republican agenda items than concerns in his district.
• In the 5th District of Eastern Washington, the open seat, Republican CATHY MCMORRIS is best suited for the job. McMorris was a breath of fresh air when she took over leadership of the state Republican House caucus. She was more collaborative than her predecessor and delivered Republican votes for a controversial but necessary gas tax.
Governor
In the close race for Washington governor, Republican DINO ROSSI offers a new beginning for the state and a chance to help revitalize the economy. As Senate Ways and Means chairman, the Sammamish lawmaker made the no-new-taxes budget stick. Hailing from the private sector, he is likely to use the new Priorities of Government approach to budgeting more effectively than opponent, Democrat Christine Gregoire. And he will make significant improvements in the business climate.
Secretary of state
SAM REED, Republican, is recommended for a second term. He is a proven defender of voters' rights over the interests of the political parties. Reed was a vigorous supporter of the blanket primary. When the court struck that down, he pushed the top-two primary system that lets voters pick and choose candidates across party lines. He also is well-prepared for technological advances in voting.
State attorney general
Republican ROB MCKENNA has the intellect and values to be a very effective lawyer for the state. As a King County councilman, McKenna offered keen legal analysis and sound policy ideas. He is better prepared than opponent Deborah Senn to manage the office of 500 lawyers and keep the staff motivated, focused and successful.
State/judicial candidates
TERRY BERGESON for superintendent of public instruction.
Democrat BRAD OWEN for lieutenant governor.
Democrat MIKE MURPHY for state treasurer.
Democrat BRIAN SONNTAG for state auditor.
Republican DOUG SUTHERLAND for lands commissioner.
Democrat MIKE KREIDLER for insurance commissioner.
MARY KAY BECKER, Washington Supreme Court, Position 1.
RICHARD SANDERS, Washington Supreme Court, Position 6.
ANDREA DARVAS, King County Superior Court, Position 23.
CHRIS WASHINGTON, King County Superior Court, Position 42.
State and local ballot measures
Yes — Initiative 884, education trust fund.
Yes — Initiative 872, the top-two primary.
No — Initiative 892, non-tribal gambling expansion with a tax break.
No — Initiative 297, the Hanford cleanup proposal.
Yes — Referendum 55, for charter schools.
No — Seattle monorail recall.
Vote yes and for alternative 1B, to reduce the size of the King County Council.
Legislature
1st District: Democrat Rosemary McAuliffe, Senate; Democrats Al O'Brien and Mark Ericks, House.
5th District: Republican Cheryl Pflug, Senate; Republicans Glenn Anderson and Jay Rodne, House.
11th District: Democrat Margarita Prentice, Senate.
21st District: Democrats Mary Helen Roberts and Brian Sullivan, House.
30th District: Republican Skip Priest and Republican Tony Moore, House.
32nd District: Democrat Ruth Kagi, House.
38th District: Democrat Jean Berkey, Senate; Democrat John McCoy and Democrat Mike Sells, House.
39th District: Republican Val Stevens, Senate; Republicans Dan Kristiansen and Kirk Pearson, House.
41st District: Republican Jim Horn, Senate; Republican Fred Jarrett and Democrat Judy Clibborn, House.
44th District: Democrats Hans Dunshee and John Lovick, House.
45th District: Democrat Larry Springer, House.
47th District: Democrat Geoff Simpson and Democrat Patrick Sullivan, House.
48th District: Democrat Ross Hunter and Republican Rodney Tom, House.