James Watkins’ education and experience uniquely qualifies him to effectively represent the 1st Congressional District. Watkins’ successful career in banking, government and business will be helpful in crafting legislation to restore a healthy economy and reduce our bloated government. He actually reduced the size of government at the FDIC while working within the system to achieve greater efficiencies. He has also worked with small business, helping them create jobs. So, he has had experience addressing both of the major issues we face — high unemployment and inefficient government. Watkins understands that business growth, not government spending, is the only way to reduce our crippling unemployment rate.

Inslee is a career politician who is focused on a single issue and supports legislation that will increase the cost of energy, thus increasing the cost of doing business and will necessarily destroy jobs. Washington deserves a representative with a diverse background, a wide range of interests, proven problem-solving ability and the temperament and skill to form agreement among his fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle. James Watkins is that guy.

Jeanie D. McCombs, Kirkland