I would like to see WA cease to one of the most regressive states in the US, when it comes to taxation.  Steve Tharinger  notes that our current reliance on sales-tax hurts lower and middle income families and individuals. Even his opponent, John Alger agrees that our reliance on sales tax hurts lower income people, but that he doesn't see what can be done. 

"Tax and spend" is an over-used phrase in politics. It is used to imply that taxation and subsequent spending for the public good is a sort of evil hobgoblin. The case is over-stated. The next time you travel on a highway, call for EMS/Fire services, remember that taxation and subsequent spending made these  possible. While I agree that we need to be prudent, both when we tax and when we spend, I'd suggest that it is time to put this phrase away. Let's argue issues rather than trot out tired phrases that don't add to the dialogue necessary for politics to work.