Kauffman misleads the voters – Fain the right choice

I recently read the letter to the editor from Rich Wagner and strongly disagree with the claim that Senator Kauffman “is one of the few fiscal realists in the Democratic Party.

In reality, Kauffman is a Seattle-style liberal who represents a swing district in this politically dangerous environment for those who got us into our current fiscal situation.

Kauffman’s fiscally conservative votes are due to political considerations and not deeply seated beliefs. Senator Kauffman did indeed vote against the 2010 tax package (SB 6143) only after having been the deciding vote FOR the budget which required that tax package in the first place. Essentially, Kauffman spent the money and voted against paying the bill in that specific manner. Kauffman even admitted her tax vote was for political considerations saying, “It was difficult, but I think everyone understands that we all have difficult districts.” (Tacoma News Tribune 4/18/2010).

From her TV ads and everything I’ve received in the mail, Kauffman is trying to run as a fiscal conservative and portray her opponent as a big spender. This couldn’t be further from the truth and doesn’t pass the common sense test.

Joe Fain has been endorsed by all the business organizations who will bring us out of this recession including the Association of Washington Business and the NFIB. These organizations wouldn’t be supporting a proponent of higher spending and more taxes. Kauffman has received no business endorsements, but has been endorsed and funded by those who would benefit from more government spending.

Most importantly, Fain is honest when he says he will be the voice for fiscal sanity in Olympia. We need Joe Fain to advocate on our behalf.

Susan Hollinsworth

Kent