I’m excited this November to elect a smart, strong, and thoughtful woman to the House of Representatives in the 8th District.

Dave Reichert has had his chance. As a member of the powerful House Ways and Means committee, he was in a position to make a difference to our district and our country. But he’s squandered it by snuggling up with a copy of Paul Ryan’s damaging budget proposal and wasted time trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act—to which he has no credible alternative. He has taken part in the bickering and divisive partisanship that has earned the House very little credibility.

So, let’s give Karen Porterfield a shot. She’s worked in the public sector and can help lead an effective and efficient Congress. She’s a college teacher who can help get our local and national schools back on top. She wants to focus on the prevention of health problems within our health care system and wants to fund a public option for health care insurance, to increase competitiveness, take corporate profits out of the system, and to promote freedom of choice.

I’m voting for Karen Porterfield, and I hope you will too.

– Ben Atkinson