Even more about the candidates vying to replace Orcutt

There were simply too many political issues to include in my story on the candidates in the 18th District Position 2 race, who are competing to replace state Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama.

Here’s more about where they stand on other political issues:

Should tax increases require a 2/3 vote of the people? (Initiative 1185)

Democrat David Shehorn: No

Republican Liz Pike: Yes

Democrat Ryan Gompertz: No

Should the possession of small amounts of regulated marijuana be legal? (Initiative 502)

Shehorn: Yes (He said he doesn’t personally agree with smoking, but he doesn’t see it being any more harmful than other regulated drugs, such as alcohol.)

Gompertz: No

Pike: No

Should charter schools be allowed in Washington state? (Initiative 1240)

Pike: Yes

Gompertz: No

Shehorn: No

Do you approve of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on health care?

Shehorn: Yes

Pike: Opposed to requiring people to purchase health insurance.

Gompertz: Yes

Other political topics candidates have brought up in conversation:

Pike: Supports requiring drug tests for people who receive food stamps, and supports merit-based pay for teachers.

Shehorn: Lawmakers should advocate for the Clark County Skills Center program and the college bound programs for advanced students. “We have to work on building a skill set that employers want.”

Gompetz: Lawmakers should pay attention to issues important to young people, such as making sure there are jobs available for young adults and that young people are well prepared for those jobs.

Fundraising

The top campaign contributors to Pikes primary campaign so far have been Clark County philanthropist Ed Lynch and health insurance company Premera Blue Cross — each donating the maximum allowed of $900.

Lynch “recognizes that we don’t agree on everything with the CRC but knows I’m a reasonable person,” Pike said. “When we have the right design and the funding is in place, I will fully support a new crossing.”

Pike has received a $50 donation from Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart, a Democrat. She also received a $35 donation from former Democratic county commissioner Betty Sue Morris, who Pike said she considers a mentor.

Gompertz, said he is refusing campaign donations from special interests. One of his top donations came from his parents, who donated a combined $300.

Shehorn’s top donation of $900 came from the Southwest Washington Electrician’s political action committee.

More info

Look for my story on columbian.com to learn more about the candidates’ stances on the Columbia River Crossing (including tolls and light rail), same-sex marriage, and their ideas for spurring job growth.

Want even more information about the candidates? You can download video interviews between Shehorn, Pike and Clark-Vancouver Television by clicking this link. Gompertz has yet to be interviewed by CVTV.

Stevie Mathieu: 360-735-4523 or stevie.mathieu@columbian.com or www.facebook.com/reportermathieu or www.twitter.com/col_politics