Candidates For Wash. Governor Split On 'Supermajority'

Republican candidate for governor Rob McKenna. Image via TVW.org

Democratic candidate for governor Jay Inslee. Image via TVW.org

SPOKANE, Wash. - The two leading candidates for Washington governor weighed in on jobs and the economy at their first debate Tuesday in Spokane. Republican Rob McKenna and Democrat Jay Inlsee clashed over an issue voters may face again this fall: taxes, and what it takes to raise them.

Washington voters have repeatedly approved what’s known as a “supermajority rule” — most recently in 2010. The law requires a two-thirds majority in the legislature to increase taxes. Recently, a superior court judge found the rule unconstitutional.

Congressman Jay Inslee, the Democratic candidate for Washington governor told the Spokane audience why he considers the two-thirds requirement a distortion of democracy.

“One of our citizens gets one vote, another of our citizens gets one-and-a-half votes," Inslee said. "I believe all of my fellow citizens are entitled to one vote.”

Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna countered, “I’m glad the congressman has clarified his position and is now clearly against a rule that 64 percent of the voters approve.”

Washington voters may have chance to decide whether to adopt the supermajority rule again if a similar initiative makes it to the ballot this fall. The first gubernatorial debate of the general election was sponsored by the Association of Washington Business.

On the Web:

Washington Gubernatorial Debate:

http://tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2012060001B

Copyright 2012 Northwest News Network