26th District candidates attend debate in Home

Supporters of both Republican and Democratic candidates for the Washington State Legislature in the 26th Legislative District, Rep. Michelle Caldier (R) and her challenger, Randy Spitzer (D), attended a standing room only debate Sept. 19 at the Home fire station.

The audience was essentially evenly split and included 26th Legislative District leaders, Walker Allen for the Republicans and George Robison for the Democrats.

Program moderator John Kelly presented each candidate the same questions from a large number of queries written by attendees, covering a plethora of cogent subjects concerning the Legislature’s upcoming agendas. Unlike at the national level, there were no caustic exchanges. Although the candidates differed on some items, their exchanges were civil, business-like and dealt directly with the issues.

Following a Q and A session from the floor, each candidate gave a closing statement. Both candidates’ presentations were offered in a friendly informative manner and a general consensus of audience reaction was, “I wish all political discussion could be conducted on such a high, civil, and informative fashion.”

This story was originally published September 30, 2016 at 1:54 PM with the headline "26th District candidates attend debate in Home."