Editor,

Who could have anticipated that the contest for state senator in the 10th Legislative District would be the fourth most expensive race in Washington, behind the races for governor, attorney general and public lands commissioner and ahead of the superintendent of public instruction?

Almost a million dollars have been spent, and it is instructive to examine some of its origins. In Janet St. Clair’s campaign, 57.3% of her contributions have come from private individuals, whereas only 20.8% of her opponent’s money has come from such individuals. In another contrast, only 1.5% of Janet’s funding has come from entities outside of Washington State, while 17.3% of her opponent’s money has come from out-of-state. What might account for these differences?

I believe one explanation is that Janet’s campaign represents the needs and desires of everyday people in her district, and not a myriad of special interests. Her popular support, as demonstrated by the percentage of private individuals who donated to her campaign, and her winning of the recent primary elections in Island and Skagit Counties, attest to this fact. Could it also be that her supporters relate to her experience as a woman, mother, foster parent, grandparent, teacher, social worker, nonprofit executive, and currently as a county commissioner?

The people of the 10th Legislative District deserve the very best in leadership. Those of us who live in Island County know that they will have it with Janet as our next State Senator – she listens, learns, and leads with her integrity, hard work, and a commitment to the betterment of her community.

Carol E. Goldberg

Oak Harbor