Denny Heck is the superior choice among the candidates vying to become Washington's first representative from the newly formed 10th Congressional District.

The Olympia Democrat possesses an impressive level of public- and private-sector experience. He served four terms in the state House of Representatives, including as House majority leader. He later became chief of staff to Gov. Booth Gardner. Heck is a co-founder of TVW, Washington's version of C-SPAN.

Heck gained business experience as an original investor in RealNetworks and as a co-founder of a private company providing learning and training services for companies. He is a strong proponent of higher education, including protecting Pell grants from budget cuts and not increasing interest rates on federal student loans.

Heck believes the prescription for economic recovery is a mix of budget cuts and investments in key areas of government. Spending on infrastructure needs, such as transportation projects to improve chokepoints along Interstate 5, would create jobs and help congestion.

Other candidates in the race offer a range of platforms that don't measure up to Heck's. Republicans Stan Fleming of University Place and Dick Muri of Steilacoom are both members of the Pierce County Council with strong backgrounds in the military and local government. Family therapist and Democrat Jennifer Ferguson would advocate on behalf of veterans and their families. Sue Gunn and Steve Hannon have not waged visible campaigns.

The new 10th District runs from Tacoma to Olympia and includes the Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the pro-military suburbs around it. Heck offers the best bipartisan, thoughtful approach for the state's new congressional district.