U.S. Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03), who has recently become a favorite punching bag of local progressives (you know who I’m talking about, Jon), just announced that he will not seek reelection in 2010.
The time has now come to pursue other options, other ways of serving. Hence, I am announcing today that I do not intend to seek reelection to Congress in 2010. This is not an easy decision to be sure, but I believe it is the right decision at the right time.
One can only assume that those “other options” include becoming the Government Relations Director for some industry association or another, a much less demanding and much, much better paying gig than the U.S. House of Representatives.
WA-03 isn’t close to being a safe Democratic district (hell, I’m not even sure it is a Democratic district) so we’re likely to see an awfully competitive race in both parties to succeed Baird. I couldn’t begin to pick favorites on the Democratic side, but I’m rooting for State Rep. “Angry Ed” Orcutt to grab the Republican nomination, if only because he’d likely be the most fun to abuse.
It’s Cook PVI score is even
@ Goldy
STFU.
Being a Congressman IS a demanding job and Baird did it well and for quite some time. Yes, those of us on the left had issues with him from time to time, but no one is going to do what you want every time. Baird represents one of the more diverse in the state, not an easy job and one that requires some degree of a balancing act.
You say this like it’s a bad thing. It isn’t.
He did a lot of good for his people. Wish the man well.
Looks like it’s going to be Jaime Herrera. It will be fun to watch you kick your foot right into your mouth trying to come up with credible negative attacks on Rep. Herrera, who is a woman, a Latina, and not old enough to be part of any of the problems created by Republicans.
You should hope that Jon Russell somehow beats her in the primary. You’d have fun (and do a good job) kicking him around.
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There could be a line around the block for this open congressional seat. The larger the field of candidates, the lower the threshold to get into the Top Two.
This could draw in the Teabaggers and their energy. There could be national money for a Tea Party candidate in the primary – and even general election.
Democrats are going to nominate one candidate but there could be many who run Prefers Democratic Party.
This is going to be an interesting election.
Krist-how about you? You would have 2 of the 25 state committee votes locked-up already.
Jaime Herrera is a far-right Christer who worked for Cathy McMorris. Her votes in Olympia are as anti-labor, anti-environment, and anti-tax fairness as it gets.
They’ll try to paint her as an “attractive” candidate and as a “fresh new face,” which she isn’t. She’s the hard right, and if we are to keep this seat Democratic, it will take electing somebody who might not be as “progressive” (whatever that means and whoever is to decide) as some people in the Puget Sound area might wish for.
I have encouraged Brendan Williams to get into this race, but he’d be too far-left for Clark County. Craig Pridemore has more appeal there. Craig would be great.
Didn’t a democrat just hold the seat for 6 terms?