Editorial endorsement roundup
More newspaper endorsements were released this morning. The Columbian endorses both Supreme Court incumbents Justice Jim Johnson and Justice Richard Sanders over their opponents.
Johnson has been a consistent protector of open government in his six years on the court and has earned the people’s confidence by defending our state’s superb primary system. He has a big advantage in experience; Rumbaugh has never served as a judge and is too closely tied to labor unions.
Sanders is another incumbent who has earned re-election, despite his maverick tendencies. He has both angered and drawn endorsements from Republicans and Democrats, proving his independence. He has served on the court since 1995. Controversial but brilliant and articulate, Sanders’ disregard for partisan influences, and his fierce defense of individual rights makes him a good fit for the court.
The Spokesman-Review also endorses Sanders. "We don’t always agree with him, but we know he is taking a principled stand."
Meanwhile, the Herald endorsed Johnson, but wants to see Sanders and challenger Charlie Wiggins advance to the general election for a more detailed debate.
We'd like to see the libertarian Sanders, a controversial but valuable member of the court, engage in a spirited contest with his strongest challenger, who we believe to be Bainbridge Island attorney Charlie Wiggins. An enlightening debate could ensue, spotlighting issues such as the rights of crime victims vs. the rights of the accused.
