Elected Experience: Washington State Senator, Spokane, 1996-2013; Washington State Representative, Spokane, 1993-1996; first female Democratic State Senate Majority Leader.

Other Professional Experience: WSU Spokane - Chancellor; Gonzaga University - Associate Professor; Eastern Washington University - Associate Professor and Acting Director, Women’s Programs.

Education: PhD Economics, University of Colorado; MA Economics, University of Colorado; BA Economics, University of Illinois.

Community Service: Current: YWCA Spokane, Ignite Northwest, Spokane River Clean-Up; Former: United Way, Spokane Teaching Health Center; Downtown Spokane Partnership; Washington Health Alliance, Empire Health Foundation, Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs, Greater Spokane Incorporated, University District Development Association

Statement: I’m running for Congress because we need change in our nation’s capital.

Like most of us, I’m frustrated by a broken Congress paralyzed by partisan politics and not delivering results for eastern Washington. Too many politicians put party over the people they represent. Special interests are rewarded, when Congress should be tackling what’s most important to families: more affordable health care and prescription drugs, improved education, an economy that works for all of us, and retirement security.

I’m a problem solver. I start by listening to the people I represent and then focus on working with others, finding common ground, and getting results.

As state senator, I led efforts to expand children’s health care and to create the breast and cervical cancer screening program. As a working parent, I understood the importance of expanded child care and new college scholarships. As the Senate majority leader, I made sure eastern Washington got a veterans care facility and our fair share of state resources, creating jobs and revitalizing our economy. As the WSU Spokane chancellor, I worked with a team of university and community leaders to create a new medical school headquartered in Spokane, with a mission to train doctors to serve our rural communities.

Unfortunately, the spirit of cooperation we used to start the medical school doesn’t exist in Congress. The priorities of young people and seniors, small businesses, working families, and farmers in eastern Washington have taken a backseat to special interests and politicians repeating party talking points.

After 14 years of the same representation and not much to show for it, it’s time for a change. I look forward to hearing from you or meeting you at one of our town halls. With your support and your vote, we can bring a new approach to Congress.