Elect Democrats to advance our rural Eastern Washington concerns

To the editor,

Are we missing something as we consider votes for the Washington State Legislature?  Can the person we elect actually advance our rural Eastern Washington concerns?  Often the answer is no. It is not the fault of our representatives; it is caused by the split between Republican and Democratic caucuses. 

For years this system has worked against us. We have been represented in the Republican caucus, not at all in the Democratic caucus. Since the Washington State Democratic caucus is in the majority, we and our concerns are either not heard or are diminished at best. 

We have not been heard since Bill Grant, a bi-partisan Democrat represented us.  In those days Republicans joined with Democrats to make sure local needs were represented in both caucuses.  This can be done again.  

We have three Democrats running for the legislature in this election:  Kari Isaacson (Senate), Linda Gunshefski (House), Craig Woodard (House). They will represent all citizens of the 16th Legislative District on the Democratic caucus. And they will work to open the flow of issues from rural Republicans and Democrats, making us fully represented in both caucuses. Let us finally give our local Republicans a full voice in Olympia! Elect our three Democrats.

John Knapp

Walla Walla