Benton files for re-election, brings photographer

Of more than three dozen local candidates who have filed for office this week, only state Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, thought to send out a press release that included a photograph of him filling out paperwork at the county election office.

Benton has one challenger, state Rep. Tim Probst, D-Vancouver.

Sure, we’ve reported how many votes lawmakers have missed, but, Senator Benton, we take your word that you showed up to file. We didn’t need proof. I’ve heard other politicos talk about how no one can match Benton when it comes to campaigning. Personally, I was impressed with the maple bars at the local GOP convention that had “Benton” written in red icing. (When Benton himself did not even attend.) (Also, for the record, I did not eat one.)

But here’s the photographs. Yes, he sent them in color and black-and-white. Happy Filing Week.