In the race for 49th Legislative District Position 2, four-term state Rep. Jim Moeller, an unapologetically liberal Democrat who has worked his way up to a leadership role in the state House, faces a vigorous challenge for a fifth term from Craig Riley, owner of a successful consulting firm on health care and other benefits.
Jim Moeller
Democrat
o Age: 55.
o Occupation: Substance abuse counselor.
o Campaign finance: Raised $83,011; spent $57,216.
o Campaign website: http://www.jimmoeller.org.
o Quote: “We have shrunk the government by $12 billion over the last biennium. Probably the only area that government is growing is unemployment.”
Craig Riley
Republican
o Age: 59.
o Occupation: Owner of benefits advisory business.
o Campaign finance: Raised $35,284, spent $24,942.
o Campaign website: http://www.ElectCraigRiley.com.
o Quote: “The state must clearly defend itself against unfunded mandates.”
Though they disagree over most issues, including taxes, health care and the Columbia River Crossing, the two men seem to be enjoying the jousting in their issues-based campaign. Moeller edged Riley 52 percent to 47 percent in the primary.
“Craig is an excellent competitor,” Moeller told The Columbian editorial board. “He’s got me working hard. It’s important for every incumbent to think, ‘Why are you there, what do you want to achieve?’”