14th District Race Staying Civil

Tools

Story Published: Oct 28, 2008 at 5:36 PM PDT

By Steve Wellman

Watch the story
14th District Representative candidate Norm Johnson stops to pick up an empty bottle on Yakima Ave. In fact, keep it clean might have been the catch phrase for this year's race for the 14th district seat.

Johnson says he learned campaign ethics from his father. "You take the high road and you don't get down and scratch with the chickens."

Likewise, Vickie Ybarra claims attack ads were never part of her strategy.
"We've tried to run a clean campaign,” says Ybarra. “We believe that's what the voters of Yakima expect.
In general…both candidates used conventional ads. Ybarra emphasizes her education background.

A TV spot says "We're with Vickie," and "Vickie improved local schools"

Johnson stressed his years of public service and experience.

In his ad, Johnson says "I share the conservative values that make our families and communities strong."

Both candidates say they want to fix the state's ills by cutting spending.

"Public safety and education are priorities and i don't want to see that touched,” Ybarra says.

Johnson says "In tough times your family cuts spending and so should state government."

But even a fairly clean race doesn't hide their differences.

Ybarra's camp recently sent out a mailer referring to Johnson's “lack of energy and clout”…calling a vote for him…"a roll of the dice."

Johnson says he's quietly confident voters will choose based on performance and record…not image.
He smiles and says "I've tried to wage a campaign above board and not get down with the mudslinging and that type of thing."

A clean campaign is refreshing in these times. We'll see what the voters think next Tuesday.

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected