Fresh from my e-mail box is this news release from Republican Mark Hargrove, who is running against state Rep. Geoff Simpson, D-Covington, in the 47th Legislative District.

That's in southeast King County.

Here is the news release from Hargrove's camp:

It’s Time for a Change in the 47th District

Kent, WA – At last Saturday’s Republican caucus, twenty-year Covington resident Mark Hargrove announced to a crowd of 700 that he will be seeking the 47th Legislative District House of Representatives seat currently held by Democrat Geoff Simpson.

Hargrove, 51, is a Boeing instructor pilot and graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. He has been married to his wife, Sandy, for 28 years, and has two daughters, one married with an 8 month-old daughter and the other engaged.

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Hargrove says of his motivation to run, “my opponent is out of touch with the citizens of the 47th district. His positions in the Legislature are not reflective of the opinions held by the majority of voters in the district. After eight years, it’s time for a change. We deserve better from our elected representative.”

Hargrove points to a recent Evergreen Freedom Foundation study (“Hey Big Spender,” February 5, 2008) that found Geoff Simpson to be one of biggest spenders of 2008 in the Legislature. “If you add up the 10-year cost to taxpayers of every bill sponsored by my opponent this year, we would be $35 billion in the hole. When I am in the Legislature, I won’t treat my neighbors’ tax dollars like my personal checking account.”

Hargrove also cites Simpson’s special session vote against reinstating provisions of I-747, which capped property tax increases at one percent per year, as another area where he has lost touch with his district. Hargrove points out, “Only eight members of House voted against that bill. Six were liberal Seattle Democrats, and my opponent joined with them. He is not representing the will of the people, and it’s time for a change.”

In addition to fiscal issues, Hargrove hopes to tackle education and transportation matters once in the Legislature. He questions how effective Geoff Simpson has been in improving those areas. “Does anyone think our education has been getting better over the past eight years? Are people forced to spend more or less time commuting to work than they did eight years ago? After eight years and no improvement, it’s time for a change.”

“Whether it’s out of control taxing or out of control spending, Geoff Simpson has lost touch with this district,” proclaims Hargrove. “Between taxes and levies, the state gets enough of our money to do the jobs they should be doing. I will refuse to vote for state budget increases that exceed the level of inflation.”

“There’s a reason why every statewide poll in the last few years shows a majority of people think the state is on the ‘wrong track.’ If someone has spent the past eight years steering this state towards the wrong track, then it’s time for a change. I am the change that this district needs to get back on the right track.”