Live chat today with Jon Haugen

Democratic challenger, Jon Haugen, will participate in a live chat today at 2 pm on The Columbian’s website. Haugen is challenging U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, to serve the 3rd Congressional District in Washington.

The live chat is expected to last about an hour. Readers can participate by going to http://www.columbian.com/chat and typing in their questions and comments.

The Columbian will screen reader questions so the candidates have the chance to address a wide range of topics. Another live chat is slated for 9:30 am Tuesday with Herrera Beutler.

Haugen is a commercial pilot for Delta Air Lines. He unsuccessfully challenged state Sen. Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, in 2008.

As a citizen advocate, Haugen testified before the Washington State Legislature in favor of changing the state constitution to allow school levies to pass with a simple majority rather than 60 percent of the vote. A statewide referendum allowing a simple majority for school levies passed in 2007.

Haugen is a former Navy pilot. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and has 24 years of service in the Navy and the Naval Reserve.