WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Paul, Lesetmoe vie in big-money race

Karina Andrew reports on one of the two legislative races on this year’s ballot:

In one of the most significant races in terms of funds raised for a seat in the Washington State legislature this year, a first time candidate is challenging an incumbent over such issues as mental health, public education and law enforcement.

Democrat Dave Paul is running for his third term as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives for District 10. In the primary election in August, Paul received about 54% of the vote to his Republican opponent Karen Lesetmoe’s 46%.

Paul’s and Lesetmoe’s contest has generated nearly $528,000 in donations between the two of them. With more than $335,000 in donations, Paul has raised more money than any other House candidate.

They Said It

On Education: “There’s a huge disconnect between what the teachers need and what they’re actually getting,” [Lesetmoe] said.

On Public Safety: “I am a huge advocate for women and children,” she said. “When (police departments) are so understaffed that they no longer have a person to, say, process evidence or collect evidence for rape or domestic violence, there’s a problem.”

On Mental Health issues: “The legislature had a Band-Aid last year, and now we’re going to have to have a more permanent solution that works for law enforcement and for our community,” [Paul] said [referring to legislative efforts to get people needing mental health help into treatment].

[Lesetmoe said,] “there is a fine line between enabling and helping”… “Sometimes, there’s just cases where people have to hit rock bottom before they’re compelled to do something,” she said.

On Housing Affordability: Paul said… “the most important issue that the legislature will need to face next year.”

Read the full article at this link.