Elected Experience: 4th District State Senator November 2011-present; 4th District State Representative 1981- March 1995; Spokane County District Court Judge March 1995-January 2007;  District Court Presiding Judge twice

Other Professional Experience: Judicial Liaison, National Highway Traffic Safety Commission November 2008- February 2011; Chairman, Law & Justice Committee; Majority Floor Leader; Ranking Minority Member, Judiciary Committee; Attorney, self-employed 1977 - 1995; City attorney, Deer Park 1977-1980

Education: BA, Political Science, Gonzaga University; JD, Gonzaga School of Law

Community Service: Spokane-CDA American Legion 4th of July Wood Bat Senior Tournament Director; driver Meals on Wheels; Lector at Church; member American Legion; member Knights of Columbus

Statement: The last 4 years has seen progress in reforming state government, but much needs to be done. We have strengthened DUI laws by focusing on accountable treatment/prevention programs and stiffer penalties for violations. We have passed legislation attempting to control and eliminate the abomination that is human sex trafficking. I continue to fight for reduction of waste and fraud in government; lower taxes and reduced regulations on our businesses. I also have called for a special session dedicated solely to repealing onerous regulations. We protected the Union Gospel Mission and volunteer optometrists allowing them to continue dispensing eye glasses to those in need.

Government mismanagement and public safety are the priority of the independent Senate investigation I chaired into the mistaken early release of 3,200 violent felons by the Department of Corrections. Our recommendations are intended to increase public safety and make DOC accountable.

K-12 Education needs to be funded first as a budget priority. Dollars need to go into the classroom in a way that emphasizes academic excellence, quality education and measured results. College is more affordable with recent across the board tuition reductions.

I am pro-life, pro 2nd Amendment and pro property rights.