Ten southwest Washington Republicans say that the defeat in Clark County of a ballot measure to increase the sales tax is a sign the proposed $3.5 billion interstate bridge across the Columbia River must be redesigned.

The current and newly elected officials who issued a statement included U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (buht-lur).

The Oregonian reported ( http://bit.ly/ZeJTx3) sponsors of the Columbia River Crossing contend the vote was falsely portrayed as a referendum on the project, and the Clark County transportation agency already money for the light-rail operation planned on the bridge.

The project is designed to replace the Interstate 5 bridge and extend light-rail service from Portland to Clark County.

The statement came as the Oregon and Washington legislatures prepare to consider their $450 million shares of the bridge's finances.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com