Through eight years in the Legislature, four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and one term as Washington’s lieutenant governor, Denny Heck has demonstrated thoughtful and responsible leadership. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends Heck for reelection.
As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to provide information and foster discussion. The Columbian expects voters to study the candidates and the issues before casting an informed ballot.
In Heck, a Democrat, voters will find a candidate who is exceptionally well-qualified to carry out the duties of the position. The lieutenant governor’s most visible role is as president of the state Senate, serving as lead parliamentarian and helping to determine which legislation comes to the floor.
Heck’s experience in Congress and the Legislature gives him important insight to the legislative process. His demeanor and his focus on effective government – rather than partisanship – make him an effective leader.
As Heck writes in the Voters’ Pamphlet: “The most important part of being lieutenant governor is serving as president of the state Senate and presiding in an impartial way, fairly applying the rules to everyone and to both parties.”
Heck also has strong credentials for the other primary duties of the lieutenant governor – serving as acting governor when the governor is out of the state and standing first in the line of succession. During an interview with the Editorial Board, he addressed the possibility of replacing the governor: “It’s rare, but it’s not important until it is important.”
On top of that, Heck’s most significant qualifications are demonstrated by how he uses the bully pulpit that comes with statewide office. He has established The Project for Civic Health, a program that focuses on students in an effort to tone down the heated rhetoric that engulfs modern politics.
“We’ve got to do this,” Heck told the Editorial Board in March. “We don’t have to hate each other because of politics.” He added, “I think I’ve learned through this journey that you put people around the table and you talk about it.”
Heck’s opponent in the general election is Republican Dan Matthews, a retired pilot, former school board member and member of the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission.
Matthews told the Editorial Board that “we need statesmen and we need civility.” He sees the role of lieutenant governor as “one that brings people together, a team builder, a communicator with the other party.”
But at the same time, he is vicious in his criticism of Democrats, decries “one-party rule” and complains that some state policies pose a “threat to children.” In the Voters’ Pamphlet, he writes, “One political party has controlled our state for decades, representing powerful, big-money interests, growing more extreme, even radical.”
During an interview with the Editorial Board, Matthews touched on a broad range of issues that are beyond the purview of the lieutenant governor – suggesting that he might be better suited to run for the Legislature rather than a state executive position.
Perhaps most importantly, Matthews fails to make the case that Heck should be replaced. Given Heck’s experience, demeanor and ability to step into the role of governor if necessary, he possesses ideal qualifications to be lieutenant governor and serve on the numerous executive boards that come with the position.
The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote to retain Denny Heck as Washington’s lieutenant governor.
