Nethercutt visits Moses Lake

Congressman and Senate hopeful asserts his vision for state's future; attacks Murray

With his sights set on a Senate seat, U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt, R-5th District, stopped in Moses Lake earlier this week to talk about his campaign, his opponent, and his desire to be a voice for the entire state.

"I represent one-ninth of the state," he said, referring to his share of the state's districts. "I want to represent nine-ninths."

On his way to a fund raiser at a local hotel, Nethercutt said that his vision of the future is one of a united state, where the eastern and western portions are together facing the key issues.

"I want to see a state that is more business-friendly," he said. "I want people to be able to choose a career and stay here."

Nethercutt hinted he will not forget environmental issues, but at the same time, he wants a state that allows "a business climate to flourish."

Nethercutt landed in Moses Lake facing a campaign against an incumbent senator and with the perception amongst Grant County Republicans that it is going to be a challenge for him to win votes in western Washington. Nevertheless, the Spokane lawmaker said he is unfazed.

"I have been in tough battles and I have won them," he said. "When I ran against Tom Foley (1994) people said an incumbent Speaker of the House had not been beaten since 1860, and we won."

He added, "in my lifetime, there has never been a U.S. Senator from eastern Washington. It's not that it can't be done, it is just that it has not been done."

Nethercutt said he believed that once people get to know him statewide, they will vote for him. "Once people understand the values that guide my public service, they will embrace them."

Part of Nethercutt's confidence stems from what he sees as "miserable" re-election numbers from his opponent, Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.

"Ninety-five percent of people in this state know her," he said. "Thirty-eight percent want to vote for her." Nethercutt declined to specify the source of the numbers, just saying it was a Republican statewide poll.

Moreover, he said that his record was strong and Murray's was weak on the issues that are important for the state.

"She voted against energy policy legislation, prescription drug legislation, tax cuts, tort reform, medical liability. I voted for them."

Nethercutt said not changing the current welfare system means offering no incentive for people to get off the welfare rolls and get a job.

"(Murray) does not believe reform is necessary," he said. "She wants the government to keep supporting people who have the ability to go out and find a job." Nethercutt said the goal of government ought to be creating an environment where people can find a job, stating that Murray will vote against issues that lead to job creation, such as "tax relief and incentives to small businesses to hire somebody."

Nethercutt said that when a senator votes the way Murray does, growth in the state is stifled, and that lack of strong leadership in the U.S. Senate is the reason why the state is, in his eyes, lagging behind the rest of the country.

"Senators are supposed to lead, and Murray has not led the state into prosperity," he said. "Boeing left while she was senator; she has been involved in transportation for 12 years, and the transportation problem in Seattle is worse than ever. She has failed the state in so many areas."

Nethercutt said he can bring what he sees as his good record in job creation and bring it to the entire state. Conversely, he said Murray's record is hard to defend, and that he would welcome the opportunity to engage Murray in a debate.

"I know they are afraid to get on the same stage," he said, adding that voters deserve to get a long and careful look at each candidate. "A senate spot is too important a position to avoid discussing."

Nethercutt spoke not only about what he views as his opponent's weaknesses, but what Murray's camp may see as his. Asked about his 1994 pledge to serve for three terms, the five-term congressman said his 2000 change of heart "should not haunt me, but it will not surprise me if it does, if Murray's campaign (brings it up."

He said that in 2000, he presented himself to the people of the 5th District and received more votes than ever. Now, 10 years after his pledge, he said the people from his district have "released" him from his declaration.

"The only person that got hurt by my change of heart was me," he said. "There was no change in my views on taxes or welfare."

Nethercutt switched gears and talked about campaigns other than his own, such as former state Sen. Dino Rossi's bid to become the state's next governor. Nethercutt said that it is "critically important" for the future of the state to elect a new governor, a new senator and a new attorney general.

These changes, he said, will bring a new "common-sense" approach and a business perspective.

"I am proud to be running with Rossi, President George W. Bush and (attorney general candidate) Rob McKenna," he said. "We need new leadership in Olympia."