SPOKANE, Wash. — With only weeks to go until Washington’s state primary election, time’s running out for candidates to share their positions with voters.
On Monday, five out of the six Republican candidates running for the state’s 5th Congressional District seat appeared for a candidate forum.
The Republicans of Spokane County, which is a different group from the Spokane County Republican Party, hosted the event at the Rockwood Retirement Community Center on Spokane’s South Hill.
The candidates who made an appearance at the forum are only a handful of the 11 people running to take over Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers' (R – Wash.) seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. She announced earlier this year her plans to not seek reelection.
In comparison to previous appearances in front of voters, Monday night's forum felt more like a job interview. After a quick presentation to voters, each candidate answered different questions they received at random.
Candidate Michael Baumgartner was asked what he considered the most challenging issue facing the country: “I think the highest priority in this country has to be securing the southern border.”
Next up was Rick Valentine Flynn, who was asked what he would specifically do to work with colleagues across the aisle. He stated Republicans need to be the ones pushing legislation they know needs be done, such as gun control.
“We need to be the ones to take charge and take ownership of the laws we write. That way we can assure that the left doesn't push things too far," said Flynn.
When asked about what attributes she has that would help her as a legislator, Jaquelin Maycumber spoke about being able to get people in her party to work together.
“Forty Republicans can divide 58 Democrats anytime when you work together and define the issue,” she said.
When asked about his life experiences that would help in Congress, Brian Dansel expressed pride about where he's from: “Just being an American in eastern Washington and growing up & being raised by the greatest people on the face of the earth.”
Rene Holaday rounded out the question portion of the forum by answering what some of her top priorities are.
“We’ve got border issues, voting & elections issues that are catastrophic right now and also child trafficking,” said Holaday.
The one Republican candidate not at the forum was Jonathan Bingle. He’s a Spokane city council member and was at the city council meeting happening at the same time as the forum.
Primary election night takes place Aug. 6. Ballots go out to voters starting this Friday.
The top two candidates in the primary will go on to the general election in November.