Spokane County prosecutor race

The shooting of a pastor in Spokane Valley has dominated the discussion of the race for Spokane County prosecutor after incumbent Steve Tucker survived a challenge by two other Republicans for the chance at first-time Democrat Frank Malone. The 67-year-old lawyer has criticized Tucker for not asking a prosecutor from elsewhere to handle the charging decision on Deputy Brian Hirzel. Hirzel shot and killed 74-year-old Wayne Scott Creach on Aug. 25, and Tucker has vowed to make a decision before the November election.

Malone also previously attacked Tucker’s budgeting process, saying that he simply laid off deputy prosecutors based on a simple review of the numbers rather than focusing on the needs and attempting to get the money from county commissioners to fund those priorities.

In the Aug. 17 primary, 28,873 people voted for Malone and 26,854 voted for Tucker.

The position pays about $145,000 annually.

• Steve Tucker , 59

Incumbent Republican

Bio: served six years in the Air Force and Air National Guard; 11 years Washington State Patrol trooper; law degree in 1984 from Gonzaga University School of Law; deputy prosecutor for 10 years in private practice; elected prosecutor in 1998, 2002 and 2006; has lived in Spokane for 50 years.

Campaign promises: “The most important and primary duty is to keep Spokane safe. While there are many other functions that the office performs, the greatest amount of time, money and effort is related to the criminal division of the office,” he said.

Notable: Tucker ran unopposed in 2002 and defeated local attorney Bob Caruso in 2006.

• Frank Malone , 67

Democrat

Bio: served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard and retired as an officer; law degree in 1985 from Gonzaga; 42 years in Spokane; law practice since 1985 includes criminal, family and civil law. This is Malone’s first run for office. Website: www.votefrankmalone.com.

Campaign promises: Malone said he will take a more business-like approach to budgeting. “The budgeting and budget communication process must be significantly improved,” he said. “The budget must be transparent, based on achievable goals and measurable results, not just a lump sum. It’s just common sense management.”

Notable: Both men served in the Air Force and Air National Guard and graduated a year apart from Gonzaga University School of Law.