This is clearly one of the most important elections in recent history in the state of Washington. Three critical issues are represented on our ballots.

First is the direction of our federal government as it relates to economic leadership, foreign policy and the ability to work side-by-side state representation in Washington, D.C. Look at the last four years with our current administration. Mitt Romney is clearly the best choice to address each of the issues above.

Second is the direction our state leadership is headed. Liberal leaders in Olympia continue to drag our state down with debt as if there was no end to income. Their non-support of business is literally driving the world leader in aerospace out of our state. We need more conservative, business-supportive leadership in Olympia. I believe Rob McKenna, Linda Kochmar and Katrina Asay deserve our votes.

Third is the moral issue represented by R-74. Gender is an essential part of identity, and marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of our God. This is a pivotal time when we must remember, “In God We Trust.” Asking us to ignore it to supposedly ensure the psychological comfort of a few is going overboard — psychological comfort can’t be provided through legislation. We have already shown compassion and acceptance in passing the “everything but marriage” law we currently have. Nothing will be gained from passing this measure, and much will be lost. We must reject R-74.

Ned Bjorn, Auburn