The steps to the Capital in Olympia are steeper than one may think and the road there is not an easy one. Unfortunately for Democrats and Republicans, once they surpass the status of candidates and are elected to represent their areas they quickly discover that life on the bumpy campaign trail wasn’t so bad after all.

We feel Sherry Appleton (D) has what it takes to make the tough transition into state politics. While her attempts to enter the Legislature and the Poulsbo political realm have failed off and on during the past, we feel confident that she is now ready to take the baton in the 23rd District and run with it.

This will not be easy and Appleton is the first to recognize the slew of challenges Washington and — more specifically Kitsap County — will be facing as budgets slump and transportation grinds to a halt.

She is not a new face in Olympia, either, and has worked with the key players there for several years.

Unseating Bev Woods (R) from the position 2 seat won’t be a simple feat in November — taking an incumbent’s position never is.

Even so, we feel the voters spoke loud and clear in the primary election when they threw nearly 48 percent of their ballots behind Democratic candidates Appleton and Terrell Duchene. This is something to consider as we go to the polls next month or fill out our absentees at home.

Despite her work at the state level, Appleton hasn’t lost her hometown leanings. She is a candidate for “representative” after all and we feel she will do just this for the people of Kitsap County.

We feel Appleton is the best choice for 23rd District position 2 and are sure that she will keep her campaign promise of always putting Kitsap County where it belongs in Olympia.

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