U.S. Senate candidates talk bordertown recovery, political experience

The Northern Light asked candidates running for U.S. Senate about legislation for bordertowns they will support, if elected, and what makes them fit to represent Washington state in Washington, D.C. Senators serve for six-year terms. The November 8 general election candidates provided written responses to the questions.

Patty Murray

Patty Murray (D) has served in the U.S. Senate since 1993. She graduated from Washington State University. 

The bordertown communities experienced disproportionate economic impacts from the pandemic and continue to face headwinds in their recovery. What programs or plans would you support to help these communities?

I repeatedly pressed the administration to do more to help northern border communities, especially after the Canadians reopened their land borders. Last year, I spoke on the Senate floor calling for the administration to reopen the border at Point Roberts and to recognize the harm that prolonged closure was causing in border communities across our state. Within two weeks, the border closure was finally ended. 

I strongly believe the federal government must do more to help border communities recover. I helped to design a new initiative to provide grants to businesses in border communities. This program was included in the Small Business COVID Relief Act that was blocked by Republicans this summer. I’ll keep fighting for this program and others that support border communities.

What makes you the best candidate for the position?

I passed legislation in the last year and a half that will lower the cost of prescription drugs, cap insulin prices for seniors at $35 a month and extend tax credits that made health care cheaper for millions. I’m ready to do a lot more to lower costs and make our economy work for everyone – not just billionaires and giant corporations.

I will always fight to make sure women can make their own health care decisions – on day one, I will work to pass my bill to codify Roe v. Wade into law. And I’m fighting to make sure our democracy stays a democracy and protect every American’s right to vote.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

I’ve passed a lot of legislation that doesn’t make the news, but will help people – like my legislation to ban surprise medical bills, or my legislation to make sure sexual assault survivors get the care and examinations they need from local hospitals. Both of those laws originated with Washington residents who called my office with a problem they were facing – and I worked with them to solve it.

Tiffany Smiley

Tiffany Smiley (R) has no prior elected experience but has worked as a veterans advocate. She earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Whitworth College. 

The bordertown communities experienced disproportionate economic impacts from the pandemic and continue to face headwinds in their recovery. What programs or plans would you support to help these communities?

The pandemic took a huge toll on our communities and small businesses, and the inflation we are currently experiencing as a result of the Biden/Murray economic policies is making recovery nearly impossible. In my agendas for economic and energy and environmental recovery and reform, I lay out my plan to lower inflation, lower taxes for the middle class, protect our small businesses from zealous IRS agents, and restore our energy independence to get immediate relief for Washington families and help our businesses recover. 

What makes you the best candidate for the position?

I was 11 years old when senator Murray was first elected to the Senate. Thirty years later, we need to ask ourselves, “Are we any better off?” It is clear from my opponent’s record that the constituent she serves is Washington, D.C., and in her lack of accomplishments to tout she has resorted to scare tactics to win this election. 

I have a record of taking on the federal government and winning and am running to serve the great people of Washington state. Additionally, I have signed a term limits pledge and intend to go to Washington, D.C., work hard to accomplish meaningful reform and then return home. 

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

As a Washington farm girl, I learned early the importance of working hard, doing your best and going the extra mile for your community and country. Our family has served and sacrificed for our nation, and it would be the highest honor to represent my fellow Washingtonians in the Senate. I would encourage everyone to go to my website, smileyforwashington.com, and read through my agenda for recovery and reform – my plan to bring recovery to our state. The choice this November is clear: A vote for hope or a vote for the status quo.