The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

On Tuesday State Republican Representative Jamie Herrera notified The Eagle by email she had received the endorsement of the Wahkiakum County Republican party. Herrera is running to replace retiring Congressman Brian Baird in Southwest Washington’s 3rd Congressional District.

“We endorsed her because she represents the things we believe in,” said Wahkiakum GOP Chairman Richard Riley.

The Wahkiakum GOP voted to support Herrera’s candidacy during their central committee meeting. The Wahkiakum GOP became the third county Republican organization to endorse Herrera, adding to a list that includes the Pacific and Cowlitz County GOP parties.

Herrera said the Wahkiakum endorsement is part of a citizen’s movement to bring fresh leadership to the U.S. Congress and restore jobs to Southwest Washington. “It continues to grow,” said Herrera, “and the only way to win this election is by having individuals throughout our region get on board. I’m honored by this endorsement.”

Herrera is running for Congress to bring jobs back to the region. She said she believes preserving free enterprise and creating a level playing field for small business is the best approach to creating new jobs.

“Small business is the engine of job creation,” said Herrera. “Helping Southwest Washington’s small businesses thrive and prosper is key to reducing unemployment, and it will be one of my top priorities as a member of Congress.”

“We supported Jaime because she believes in smaller government,” said Riley. “She’s been a faithful representative and we think she has the experience to get things done.”

Herrera ranks at the bottom of the Washington legislators “Big Spender” list. The list is issued by the Evergreen Freedom Foundation. It ranks Washington state legislators according to the amount of tax and fee increases they sponsored during the 2010 Legislative Session. The Evergreen list shows Herrera sponsored $0 in tax and fee increases in 2010.

“This is one of the few times in my life I’ll say that I’m honored to rank dead last in,” said Herrera, “and this ranking shows I’ve stood against reckless spending before, and I can do it again.”

The state government in Olympia reported a $2.8 billion deficit during the 2010 Legislative Session. Herrera said the state’s Democratic majority voted for new spending and imposed the largest tax increase in state history to pay for it. Herrera said her message has been consistent throughout her campaign; to vote against tax increases and runaway spending in Congress.

Herrera said voters want someone who “walks the talk” when it comes to their fiscally conservative credentials. She said she feels the federal government is like an out of control train, headed down the tracks toward the same fate as Greece if the country doesn’t cease its wild spending habits.

“Our country needs a new group of leaders willing to apply the brakes and get government back under control," Herrera said.

Despite her late entry into the race Herrera said she has raised more than $197,000. “I am humbled by the amount of support we’ve received,” she said.

She said Southwest Washington is searching for an independent leader who will help set DC back on the right path. Congress can’t continue its deficit spending and expect families and businesses to pay for it. “My focus has been on saving money and helping employers create jobs, and people are responding. I’m confident we will have the resources we need to win in November,” said Herrera.