Familiar candidate Hash in 3rd Congressional District race

Perennial candidate Martin Hash has returned to the local political scene. Hash announced this week he’s running for the 3rd Congressional District seat as a Democrat. He joins a race with three other Democrats — Dorothy Gasque, Carolyn Long and David McDevitt — and three Republicans, including incumbent Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler and newcomer Micheal Cortney.

Hash is running on a simple platform: “No Tolls.”

Hash had not previously indicated he was running for the 3rd Congressional District but was the first to file for the position Monday when filing week officially began. He’s run for the 17th Legislative District off and on since 2008. His most recent run was in 2016 where he received nearly 37 percent of the vote against Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver.

“I’ve been running for various state offices for a decade trying to get a feel for what’s going on. Mostly it’s a popularity contest,” Hash said in a video on his campaign website. “Frankly I don’t care if you like me; that’s not the job. The job is to make sure the maximum number of people in our congressional district get as much opportunity as possible.”

Hash declined to answer questions provided by The Columbian, instead offering his voter’s pamphlet information.

He cites his professional background as a doctor, attorney, U.S. patent agent, certified public accountant and professional engineer, as well as his history as founder of Hash Inc., a computer animation software company.

“Political values require an ideological foundation: mine is ‘Most Opportunity to Most People,’ which puts me right in the center of the Liberty spectrum, where most of us are,” Hash wrote in the pamphlet. “There is no one more competent nor more prepared to provide intellectual leadership for our community, our state, and our country than me; I am dedicated, incorruptible, and honest.”

Hash remarked on corruption in his candidacy announcement video as well.

“I will absolutely reject any undue influence. I am virtually incorruptible now, and if anyone even tries to bribe or compromise me, I will tell you,” he said. “Integrity and vision alone should make me your candidate.”