As a constituent in Washington’s 4th Congressional District, it is fascinating to watch a truly open race for the first time in about twenty years (the incumbent, Doc Hastings, states he is retiring and will not run again).
There are close to a dozen would-be representatives that have announced intentions to run for the seat this year. I met one in Tri-Cities this past weekend, quite by accident.
While making a stop in a retail store, I was approached in the parking lot by the candidate, who explained they can pay the roughly $1,500 filing fee to get on the ballot, or collect a number of voter signatures by petition to avoid this fee. This candidate, and their supporters, were working the parking lot to get signatures and, they hope, avoiding the expense of the filing fee.
This is the first time I have met this candidate, who seems very kind-hearted. They are very candid about supporting tax reform, advocating the Fair Tax.
The candidate is very much aware that even though they asked for my signature, I am under no obligation to vote for them. However, I was swayed to sign the petition, and wished them the best of luck in getting on the ballot.
At this time, I am still very much undecided on who I will support for U.S. Congress in our district. However, I do support letting the people choose, and if the candidate I spoke with gathers enough support, the people will have the full menu of options when the ballot arrives.
