Democratic state Sen. Jean Berkey of Everett’s path to re-election is clear of opponents right now.
It may not stay that way.
Some union members, environmentalists and progressives are looking for another Democrat to take on the incumbent, whom they find too conservative for their tastes.
Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett, politely turned the recruiters down a while back.
Now, Nick Harper of Everett is getting a heavy dose of encouragement from the same folks who thus far are not taking his ‘no’ for an answer.
On paper, Harper presents a nice profile. He is conservation director of the Cascade Land Conservancy and former director of government affairs for the Snohomish County-Camano Association of Realtors. This gives him credibility in the sometimes conflicting worlds of those working to preserve land and those trying to sell it.
And Harper knows a bit about election strategy, having served as field director for the 2006 re-election campaign of U.S. Rick Larsen, D-Everett.
Harper said this week he’s flattered by family, friends, colleagues and lawmakers telling him he’s got what it takes to be a state senator. He’s not sure 2010 is the year he wants to find out.
In Olympia, the rap on Berkey among those associated with her party’s left flank is that she caters too much to the interests of banks and financial institutions. She drew their ire this year by helping to preserve a tax break for large banks.
“I don’t represent any special interest group, and special interest groups don’t need more influence in state government,” she said Friday.
The other question surrounding Berkey is how hard she will compete this fall. She didn’t show a lot of heart in 2007 when she lost the race for Snohomish County Council.
She vowed a much more vigorous effort this time. With $45,000 in hand for the campaign now and fundraisers planned, any foe faces an uphill battle.
“I am committed to winning,” she said.
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Will Bothell Mayor Mark Lamb challenge Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon in 2011?
Maybe.
“A lot of people have talked to me, and it’s something I’m considering,” he said this week.
Will Snohomish County Councilman Dave Gossett be in the race, too?
Unlikely.
“People have talked to me about it. I’ve thought about it. But I think it’s unlikely that I would run,” he said Friday.
There are others contemplating the race that will be a featured — and costly — contest next year. While it may seem inordinately early to talk of candidates, serious contenders know the importance of making plans sooner rather than later.
Reardon is politically wounded now, but he’ll recover. He’s been perceived as distracted in recent months as lapses by some managers piled up. But there is time for the Everett native to refocus and reset perceptions and win a third term.
Lamb, a Republican, could prove the most compelling of challengers, with a record of civic achievements and statewide connections. He’ll get help from many corners of the county and people in the state, including the Republican Party’s biggest star, Attorney General Rob McKenna.
(As an aside, wouldn’t McKenna just love to rough up Reardon a little, should the two ultimately face off for governor in 2012.)
Reardon is a fierce competitor who will be ready to go when the time comes.
“It’s 2010, my friend. 2011 is a long ways away,” he said, his voice trailing into laughter.
Political reporter Jerry Cornfield’s blog, The Petri Dish, is at www.heraldnet.com. Contact him at 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
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