Jaime Herrera Beutler understands the Constitution’s Article 1, Section 7: “All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.” As a member of that body, she believes the most important step Congress must take is to stop government overspending.That belief is the first of many reasons The Columbian made the Camas Republican our sole endorsement for this post in the Aug. 7 primary. Our opinion has not changed for the Nov. 6 election.
Local voters seemed to agree in the primary. In Clark County, Herrera Beutler outpaced Democrat challenger Jon Haugen by almost 17 percentage points. Throughout the 3rd Congressional District (from the Pacific Ocean through Klickitat County), support for Herrera Beutler was even stronger, by almost 19 percentage points. She has advanced beyond the newcomer phase, and membership on the House Transportation and Small Business committees sets her up for more achievements.
Haugen is making another feisty charge for public office after losing a run for state senator in 2008 and a bid for state representative in 2010. He recently garnered support from the state Democratic party, but little funding, and remains estranged from many Democrats.
Herrera Beutler is making significant waves in job creation. She says her no-cost “Small Business Opportunities Act” will “empower more than 900 Southwest Washington small business contractors.” Her forest roads bill could lead to a big boost in forest-product jobs “while still promoting responsible forest management.” Jaime Herrera Beutler is by far the superior choice.
