Another Republican enters race for Pearson's seat

Gregory Lemke of Arlington has become the fourth Republican candidate vying to succeed state Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe.

Lemke, a court appointed child advocate, said in an announcement last week he wants to focus on protecting property rights, aiding those facing foreclosure and enacting a ‘bill of rights' for doctors and patients.

This will be Lemke's fourth bid for state office. As a resident of Everett, he made unsuccessful bids for the state House of Representatives in 1998, 2000 and 2002.

He's joined a crowded field seeking the 39th Legislative District seat Pearson is vacating in order to run for state Senate.

Also in the race are Republicans Robert Zimmerman and Elizabeth Scott, both of Monroe, and Robert Pilgrim of Arlington. Zimmerman is the mayor of Monroe, Pilgrim is a detective with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department and Scott is a former educator.

There is also one Democrat in the race, Eleanor Walters of unincorporated Snohomish, a business consultant and former senior contract manager for Starbucks.