SPOKANE — Six of the 12 candidates for Washington’s Fifth Congressional District detailed the issues facing the district that they think are the most important, and how they would address those issues if they’re elected. All 12 candidates were asked the same three questions by the Columbia Basin Herald. Six responded.  

Their answers to the first two questions ran in previous editions of the Columbia Basin Herald. 

What are three issues you think are most important, and how would you address them? 

Nathan Powell: Lower the cost of healthcare, housing, and everyday essentials by cutting waste and taking on special interests and big corporations that are driving up prices. 

Confront the national debt by cutting billions in taxpayer money spent on forever wars and corporate subsidies that inflate our debt, and closing the tax loopholes that allow those same corporations to avoid helping the working class pay it off. Clean up corruption in D.C. by banning stock trading by members of Congress, passing term limits, and working to overturn Citizens United so monied interests can no longer buy elections. Eastern Washington needs an independent voice for working families, not party insiders or big donors. 

Andrew Bartleson: We need “Total Healthcare,” the segregation of health, dental, and eye care into separate policies is unacceptable. Dental care is out-of-pocket and doesn’t even count towards the $2-4,000 deductible we have to meet to receive benefits from our health insurance!  

There’s a direct correlation between corruption and rising prices. We are the wealthiest country in the world, it is inexcusable that people are struggling. Congress only cares about the debt when it comes to providing for us. There is a seemingly endless stream of money for corporate welfare demanded by wealthy donors. Anti-trust laws aren’t enforced, and monopolization of markets leads to less competition and higher prices. Trickle down economics is a scam perpetuated on us for decades. No more, it’s time trickle up economics where the benefit is derived from a healthy, safe, and secure populace. 

Kevin Fagan: 1.  Healthcare: I support Medicare for All to ensure guaranteed, high-quality care for our rural and urban populations
2. Money in Politics: We must overturn Citizens United and ban congressional stock trading.
3.  Affordability: We must build affordable housing, invest in clean energy, and implement universal childcare. 

Carmela Conroy: First, bringing prices down. Tariffs are hammering our wheat, apples, and cherries. Families pay more at the store while farmers lose their export markets. I'll work to end the tariffs that punish our growers and bring real relief, including child care that costs less than rent. 

Second, saving rural hospitals. When one closes, the doctors and nurses leave, good jobs disappear, and pregnant women drive two hours for basic care. I'll fight to stabilize federal funding, protect Medicare and Medicaid, and recruit workers to the communities that need them. Your ZIP code shouldn't decide whether you live. 

Third, restoring America's standing in the world. Recklessness has replaced strategy, and our alliances are fraying. This isn't just a D.C. headline. Gutting USAID hurt us at home, because it bought Washington-grown commodities and built the markets our farmers sell into. When we wreck our credibility, growers and exporters here pay the price. 

Michael McGarr: One of the first things that should be done is to reform the House rules that have, since Newt Gingrich, consolidated power into a few leaders' hands, and discouraged bipartisanship. This should be done when voting for the new speaker. Social Security must be addressed very quickly. Another priority should be crafting a national policy on data centers -- even though states and communities should have the most input, we need a federal policy so states don't lower their standards in competition. 

Matthew Hayes: First, I will work my butt off to deliver better healthcare to Eastern Washington. Second, I will only vote for federal budgets that actually balance the budget.  Third, I will tell the truth and listen to the people of Eastern Washington.