An Upper Left Endorsement

I have to admit that after former State Senator and State Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge dropped out of the Democratic Primary race for Governor due to health reasons, I became largely disinterested in the contest. We were left with a pair of mainstream Democratic candidates, neither of which particularly stirred my spirit, and either of which I could willingly support in November.

As the race has developed, though, King County Executive Ron Sims has distinguished himself as a clearly superior choice. While the differences between Ron and his opponent on most issues aren't particularly dramatic, and both have executive experience that demonstrates their respective abilities to manage the responsibilities of the Governor's offices, there is one essential difference that makes all the difference required to merit my support, and if you're a Washington voter, yours as well, I believe.

Democrats throughout the state have long given lip service to the need to reform our state tax system, one of the most regressive in the country. Specific proposals from candidates are exceedingly rare, though, and if they're forthcoming at all, they usually chip away at the issue and virtually never combine the words 'income' and 'tax' on the same page. Yep, a state income tax, to replace our high sales tax and onerous Business and Occupation Tax (which applies to the gross revenues of businesses regardless of profitability) is the third rail of Washington politics.

Ron Sims has made his stand firmly atop that rail, with a proposal for comprehensive tax reform that has become the centerpiece of his campaign. To be honest, I haven't studied his proposal in detail. In reality, there's little chance that it would withstand the constitutional amendment process it would require without serious alteration, if at all. Still, it's an act of political courage to simply put a serious proposal on the table. Political courage deserves reward, and Upper Left is proud to offer whatever reward our endorsement provides.

There's much more to Ron Sims than a tax proposal, of course, and you can find all the details at his campaign web site, where you can also contribute your financial support to his efforts.

If you're eligible, choose a Democratic ballot in the Washington State Primary and vote for Ron Sims for Governor.