Ideally, political calculation occasionally gives way to the best interests of the public. But with the midterm election eight days away, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler is opting for strategy rather than engagement.
Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, and Democratic challenger Carolyn Long have not held a full-fledged debate, and none looms on the horizon. This is not Long’s fault; throughout the campaign, Herrera Beutler has not responded to requests from debate organizers or has said that she would not be available, choosing to eschew public forums in which she would face tough questions.
The incumbent and Long had a robust back-and-forth with The Columbian’s Editorial Board, but no structured debate. They had a joint, 30-minute interview with government-access channel CVTV, a joint appearance in Woodland and a brief appearance in Goldendale, but no debate. Add in the fact that the candidates have not appeared together in front of voters in Clark County and it is clear the public has been poorly served by Herrera Beutler’s political calculation. Answering questions in a public forum improves the level of discourse and provides insight that cannot be gleaned elsewhere.
Debates can be difficult for incumbents. Office-holders have a voting record for opponents to pick apart, while political newcomers such as Long are running on promises rather than performance. But Herrera Beutler must be held accountable for her reluctance to engage in the marketplace of ideas. If she were confident of her record during eight years in Congress, she would willingly defend that record, as most other incumbents in Washington have done.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican who represents the 5th Congressional District, is facing a tight challenge from Lisa Brown and has taken part in four debates. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat seeking a fourth term, is expected to easily win re-election but has held multiple debates with challenger Susan Hutchison. Yet Herrera Beutler has declined to face Long one-on-one, placing doubt on her ability to effectively explain her positions.
Herrera Beutler’s disappearing act during the campaign mirrors her lack of in-person town halls. The representative often holds phone town halls, saying they allow for better engagement with constituents. Given the vitriol that covers the current political landscape, there is some merit to Herrera Beutler’s approach; we will leave it up to voters to decide whether phone town halls provide adequate access to their representative.
But we have a difficult time defending Herrera Beutler’s unwillingness to debate Long, who has been recommended to voters by The Columbian’s Editorial Board. While acknowledging that Herrera Beutler has done some good work in Congress, we find Long to be an engaging, dynamic challenger with a deep understanding of the issues. We also find her to be more interested in representing all constituents in the 3rd District, a view that has been reinforced by Herrera Beutler’s refusal to debate.
Regardless of who wins next week’s election, the editorial board desires thoughtful, effective representation for the 3rd District. We believe voters desire that, as well, and that they will emphasize those attributes more than party affiliation at the ballot box. Importantly, an unfiltered debate reveals such characteristics more effectively than a television ad or a staged campaign rally.
Herrera Beutler’s refusal to debate might prove to be a winning strategy. But it adds up to a loss for voters in the 3rd District.
