By Susanna Ray
Herald Writer
MILL CREEK — Sen. Jeanine Long, R-Mill Creek, confirmed Monday that she will retire after 14 years in the state Legislature, setting off a mad dash for political advancement in her newly redrawn 44th District.
Rep. Dave Schmidt, R-Bothell, said he will formally announce his candidacy for Long’s seat in the next few days.
That leaves an open spot in the 44th District for Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, who was redistricted out of his 39th District seat and has been considering stepping down rather than move or run against an incumbent.
Dunshee said now he might run for that seat, trying to keep his seniority in the House, or he may challenge Schmidt for Long’s Senate seat. He said he’ll decide by the end of the week.
Mill Creek Republicans and political newcomers Timothy Krivanek and Brent Samodurov already have registered with the state Public Disclosure Commission to run in the 44th District, although neither specified which of the two House seats they wanted.
Samodurov had begun a congressional campaign earlier this year against U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., in the 1st Congressional District, but former state Rep. Joe Marine of Mukilteo is the Republican favorite in that race.
The musical chairs could bring some familiar faces back to the campaign trail. Snohomish City Councilwoman Liz Loomis might run for either the Senate or the House, depending on what Dunshee decides, Snohomish County Democratic Chairman Kent Hanson said. Loomis lost her bid for a House seat two years ago against Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe.
One person plans to stay put, at least for the moment. Hanson said Rep. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, intends to run for re-election.
Long began her public career with an impulsive decision to run for the Brier City Council on the last day of filing week in 1977.
She made a name for herself in the state Senate for her work on human services and criminal justice issues, particularly having to do with sex offenders and the mentally ill. She was well respected and frequently sought out for advice and support by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers.
In a cover story in the spring of 2000, Washington Law and Politics named her a "Star of the Legislature" for how successfully she worked within the system and with other lawmakers.
"Many politicians say they are going to cut taxes, be fiscally prudent, lower crime and such," the magazine article read. "Long is one leader who actually backs up such promises with smart, thoughtful legislation."
Long represented southeast Snohomish County in Olympia on and off since she was first elected to the House in 1982.
But besides her public duties, Long is also the mother of five and grandmother of eight and said earlier this year that she was considering retiring to spend more time with her family.
You can call Herald Writer Susanna Ray at 425-339-3439
or send e-mail to ray@heraldnet.com.
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