Dave Schmidt, running for re-election in the 44th Legislative District (centered on Mill Creek, Snohomish, and Lake Stevens), has garnered the endorsement of the Everett Herald. A helpful boost in a tough Republican year and one of the few competitive Senate races statewide, not to mention the fact the 44th was heavily redrawn after the 2000 census, thus many voters are seeing Schmidt on the ballot for only the 1st or 2nd time despite his tenure in the Legislature. The Herald, while endorsing the two Democratic House candidates in the district, says:

In the Senate race, the moderate, energetic and effective Schmidt gets our strong endorsement. He's seeking a second Senate term after several years in the House, and his experience and savvy are paying off.

All true, though in general I think sometimes the "moderate" label is used too loosely as a political descriptor. It's also true Steve Hobbs is a worthy opponent, who doesn't always see eye-to-eye with his Democratic base. Schmidt won't have an easy time of it, but the Herald endorsement certainly doesn't hurt.

The sad thing is I can't disagree at all with the criticism of Schmidt's fellow Republicans on the ballot in the 44th. In that district, with rural Highway 9 serving as a major exurban arterial, and a simmering hell during rush hour, incorrect answers on transportation are not excusable. Moreover, taking the position of throwing out the WASL is a tiresome return to a debate settled over a decade ago, and would eliminate one of the few tools for accountability in Washington state's public schools.

Meanwhile, the Herald's endorsement of Schmidt is particularly useful since its early date lets Schmidt use it on most, if not all, of his direct mail.