Here is a brief summary of opening statements.
Candidates for the 40th Legislative District, Position 1:
Thomas Boucher, Democrat. “Jobs are our number one problem. We need to protect our small businesses. We need to be fiscally responsible.”
Chuck Carrell, Republican. “Government is out of control. We’re spending way too much. I’m very concerned over where we’re going.”
Dusty Gulleson, Republican. “I own a business. I know jobs are harder and harder to find. I want to balance the budget. I know what the pain is like.”
Kris Lytton, Democrat. “Education is my top priority. Difficult choices will have to be made. I’ve talked to a lot of voters and I’ve learned what they want.”
Mike Newman, Republican. “We have to take control of state spending, which has grown over the last few years. I’m going to Olympia to server, not to govern.”
Tom Pasma, Democrat. “Our future depends on small business. No in the House or the Senate has an agricultural background. I’ll bring old-fashioned values.”
Donna Miller, Republican. Not present, but her son spoke read a statement, "One of my biggest joys is helping other people. I'm against an income tax and for personal freedom."
Justin Van Dyk, Democrat. Not present and not represented.
Candidates for the 40th Legislative District, Position 2:
Howard Pellet, Green Party. “I support public funding of elections, known as green campaigns. The incumbent made 90 percent of his donations from corporate funding.”
John Swapp, Republican. “I’m very unhappy with the state’s response to the economic climate. We’re strangling and stifling small businesses.”
Jeff Morris, Democrat, Incumbent. “I don’t vote 100 percent with anybody. I’ve been responsive to the community. I’m proud of my involvement in the creation of jobs.”