One Republican era ends and soon another one will begin

OLYMPIA — Republican state Sen. Barbara Bailey closed out her legislative career Monday.

Bailey announced last month she would step down Sept. 30 after nearly 17 years representing the 10th Legislative District that includes Island County, southwest Skagit County and northwest Snohomish County.

She served five terms in the state House of Representatives before winning her Senate seat in 2012. She was re-elected in 2016 and leaves office with a little more than a year left in her term.

Six fellow members of the Grand Old Party are vying to succeed her.

On Thursday, the district’s Republican precinct committee officers will gather in Mount Vernon to nominate three people for the appointment. The 7 p.m. meeting will be at the Mount Vernon Christian School, 820 W. Blackburn Road.

By law, the decision will be made jointly by the Snohomish County Council and the commission of Island and Skagit counties. Those governing boards will meet Oct. 18 in Mount Vernon.

Those seeking position are:

Christine Cribb. of Oak Harbor. She is the executive director of the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and is backed by Bailey.

Sara Hyatt, of Stanwood. She is a precinct committee officer and vice-president of Hyatt Construction, a family-owned civil contracting business.

James Golder, of Oak Harbor. He is a precinct committee officer. While living in Idaho, he was elected to four terms in that state’s Legislature, serving from 1977-85.

Ron Muzzall, of Oak Harbor. He is a managing partner with 3 Sisters Family Farm near Coupeville on Whidbey Island.

Damian Greene, of Clinton. He is a member of the South Whidbey School Board and is running unopposed for re-election this fall.

Steve Bristow, of Oak Harbor. He is the past president of the Navy League chapter in Oak Harbor.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@herald net.com. Twitter: @dospueblos.