Vote for Jay Inslee in the 1st Congressional District

A STRONG opponent makes a good politician better. Voters in the 1st Congressional District are lucky to have such a race with Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island, squaring off with political newcomer James Watkins.

Watkins may be good, but Inslee is an independent politician who has served his district well. The Seattle Times editorial board endorses Inslee.

Watkins, a Republican from Redmond, is a compelling candidate who should get involved at the county or state level. His sharp eye on spending and thoughtful approach would be welcome and are needed.

Watkins, who used to work at Microsoft and spent time in the FDIC during the presidencies of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, is concerned about the ballooning deficit and pledges to work on that. Good. Every member of Congress and every person seeking a seat in Congress should have the same concern.

The problem for Watkins is that Inslee is also worried about the deficit and is ready and positioned to do something about it. Inslee also scores points for his dogged determination to improve the environment and push for a diverse energy plan that will wean the United States off foreign oil.

There are two issues as important to Washington state as the environment on which Inslee has made a difference: Boeing and net neutrality.

Inslee authored an amendment that requires the Department of Defense to take into account unfair competitive advantages a plane builder might get. This amendment is important to Washington state because it could help Boeing, and not its rival Airbus, land the Air Force tanker deal. Those planes would be built here.

While many in Congress have become narrowly focused on the economy and partisan politics, Inslee has kept media and technology issues simmering. He has been pushing the Federal Communications Commission for months to do something about net neutrality. His expertise on this issue will be needed the next two years if there is any hope of the FCC and Congress creating sensible rules for the Internet.

The 1st District and Washington state have benefited from Inslee's service. He deserves two more years.