Auditor challenges Larsen

Island County Auditor Suzanne Sinclair is running for office, but don’t expect her name on this fall’s ballot. She has her sights set on November 2004 when she will take on U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, the Second District congressman from Arlington.

Sinclair, a Republican, announced her intentions on Friday. She hopes her early announcement will deter others in her party from running. “Hopefully we can go forward with only one candidate,” she said.

Larsen, a Democrat, was elected to his second two-year term in 2002 when he defeated Republican challenger Norma Smith of Clinton. Sinclair said Larsen received 50.7 percent of the vote, which to her eyes makes him vulnerable.

“Mr. Larsen is under pressure to take views not supported in the Second District,” she said, taking issue with his vote against giving President Bush authority to go to war with Iraq. “I would have voted for that,” Sinclair said, alluding to various terrorist attacks against the U.S. “At some point you have to say ‘enough’.”

Sinclair also sees vulnerabilities in Larsen’s positions on agriculture, health care, education and the economy, among others.

Sinclair has been elected twice as Island County Auditor, a position which she has held for six years. A Coupeville resident, she holds degrees from DePauw University and Central Washington University, and is a certified public accountant. Sinclair has been active with Island County Republican Party as an elected precinct committee officer. She is a state committeewoman from Island County and a voting member in the Washington State Republican Party.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.