The Times recommends Republican John Koster in Washington’s 1st Congressional District | Editorials | The Seattle Times

John Koster

The Times recommends Republican John Koster in Washington’s 1st Congressional District | Editorials | The Seattle Times

Republican John Koster is endorsed for the new 1st Congressional District that runs from Redmond to the Canadian border.

Republican John Koster’s small-business roots and practical understanding of the need for a transparent financial system give him an edge in the race to represent the new 1st Congressional District.

Koster’s views about examining tax laws and loopholes and strengthening financial oversight are arguments that need to be heard inside the Republican House caucus on Capitol Hill.

His views are well known and consistently applied over decades in elective office and public service. Koster is in his third term on the Snohomish County Council from Arlington.

He served three terms in the state House of Representatives before his election to the County Council.
Over the course of the campaign season, Koster reiterated that the federal debt, deficit and congressional help for small business are priorities.  Read More >>

He also acknowledged he is open to taking a hard look at bringing back some of the strongest regulations because jobs will not be created without healthy financial institutions. Notably, Koster has not signed the rote conservative no-tax pledge.

His Democratic opponent, Suzan DelBene, is a capable, credible challenger.
She is a bright, articulate candidate with deep roots in the region’s high-tech economy. But we know her only from the campaign trail. How her positions would translate into political action within her party and for her constituents is unknown.

DelBene did serve as director of the state Department of Revenue before she resigned to run for Congress. She is untested in the public arena on her own.

Koster understands the fragility of the economy from the Main Street level, and the anxiety and uncertainty of the small-business operator.

He is equally conservative about ending overseas conflicts and cautionary about going to war without a clear mission and exit strategy.

We disagree with Koster on social issues, but in Congress right now, his fiscal viewpoint and elected experience are what’s needed.

Koster’s reputation and performance as the practical conservative who can articulate and act on those views and find common ground is needed and welcome.

Seattle Times Editorial Board