For the Reporter

State Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn, 47th Legislative District) recently was rated as “outstanding” by the nonpartisan Municipal League of King County.

Fain is the only Republican candidate to receive the rating both times that he has run for office.

The Municipal League has independently rated the effectiveness of candidates for public office for more than a century. Candidates are rated on their community involvement, effectiveness, character, knowledge of issues and willingness to learn.

Candidates receive a score on the league’s five-tier rating scale of: unqualified, adequate, good, very good, outstanding. Fain was rated three levels higher than his opponent in this year’s election.

To be rated, candidates must complete a questionnaire detailing his or her accomplishments and experiences. Community volunteers from around the county then investigate candidates; interviewing co-workers, friends, and even political opponents.

Fain’s rating joins a lengthy list of endorsements from other groups representing education advocates, police, firefighters, chambers of commerce, and dozens of local elected officials in communities across the 47th District.