Times endorses Democratic State Rep. Kagi for re-election to 32nd District position

Our news partner, The Seattle Times, has endorsed Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Ruth Kagi for re-election.

In a Sunday editorial, the Times editorial board called Kagi “an easy endorsement for another two-year term in Olympia.

“She has served in the state Legislature since 1999, and from the beginning she has been a leader on issues for the state’s youngest constituents and struggling families. 

“Kagi chairs the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee, where she is a strong, effective voice for child-sensitive foster-care reforms, family-support services and early learning. She is also on the Appropriations Committee. 

"She is well aware of the revenue tensions to fulfill the school-funding issues at the heart of the state Supreme Court’s McCleary ruling. Kagi has not compounded the issue of adequate school finance by signing onto an expensive, controversial initiative to reduce class size."

The Times noted that Kagi is rated “outstanding” by the King County Municipal League, while her Republican opponent, Alvin Rutledge, is rated “not qualified.”

See the full Times editorial here

Kagi and Rutledge are alone on the Aug. 5 primary ballot with both certain to qualify for the November general-election ballot.

The 32nd Legislative District includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Lynnwood, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, and parts of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace.