The political winds are due for a change during the next few years in Hood River County, which has benefited from the professional partnership of Rep. Patti Smith, R-Corbett, and Sen. Rick Metsger, D-Welches.

Smith decided not to seek re-election to her House District 52 seat. (See page A1 for an extended interview with the legislator.)

And Metsger, whose 26th Senate District encompasses Hood River County, has decided to run for Secretary of State.

The news of those decisions, especially Metsger’s, isn’t surprising. He was tagged early on in his political career as someone eyeing higher office. Capitol insiders have argued for some time that the former TV sportscaster has consistently voted with the long-term in mind. Smith came into office on a platform of property rights issues and has stayed the course.

The two didn’t always agree on issues, but they made a concerted effort to work together for the good of the district. While Metzger appeared to gravitate toward headlines, Smith was content to labor more behind the scenes.

Together they set a strong example of what can be accomplished across party lines. That sort of collaborative effort is what voters from this area — with its political, social and economic diversity — expect from their elected representatives.