The sun’s rising on political face-off

Republicans sent David Simpson to the state House of Representatives. At this moment, the former Everett City Council member is their best choice to hold the seat this fall.

But there’s a problem. He’s a Democrat.

Worse, Simpson faces a serious challenge from another Democrat, Mike Sells, and Republicans have few options to help.

In the good old days of the blanket primary, the Grand Old Party faithful could let their fingers zig and zag among electoral contestants, and no one would be the wiser.

Changing times — political gender-bending in primaries is now outlawed — require new strategies.

Either Republicans become Democrats, just for one day.

Or Democrats become Republicans, just for one race.

That was on the mind of Frauna Hoglund, leader of the Snohomish County Republican Party. She went to Simpson, a longtime friend, and invited him to run as a Republican.

He declined.

"What a shame," she said, choking back a chuckle.

I like her style. It’s creative and pragmatic.

She’s been hunting for a candidate without success. As of this week, no Republican had as much as whispered interest in seeking the 38th District House seat. Why would they? They’ll lose. History proves it.

Since 1933, every GOP candidate who has sought the seat has lost — with just one exception, Jack Metcalf, from 1961-65.

If no one steps up — even sacrificial lambs have self-esteem — the Simpson-Sells victor in September’s primary would be the winner, period.

So who can blame Hoglund for her offer? She knows Simpson is a moderate that Republicans can live with. His compass points Democratic, but he won’t crash on his party’s behalf.

Sells, his opponent, is a labor leader in a labor-intense district. Thus far, he is racking up money and endorsements faster than Simpson. Chief among his confidantes is County Executive Aaron Reardon, an unquestionably influential voice among Democrats.

The question among Democrats is whether Simpson, a likable man who has embraced his role as state representative for Everett, Marysville and the Tulalip Tribes, can steel his resolve for a full-contact, no-holds-barred campaign

Where Simpson is soft-spoken, Sells is outspoken. Where Simpson is perceived as politically pliable, Sells is considered much less so.

Remember, four months ago, Simpson and Sells both sought the seat. They made their case to the Snohomish County Council, a panel of three Republicans and two Democrats.

Though Simpson is more visible at party functions, Sells is a persuasive political conversationalist who sewed up support from the Democrats. That left Simpson to pitch to the majority on the council.

The trio already had some inclination toward Simpson because of his service on the City Council. It’s probable they calculated the degree of difficulty for one of their own party to unseat Simpson come November.

Undoubtedly, past disagreements with Sells weighed on their minds.

And I’m sure it helped that Simpson called Hoglund and asked her to put a good word in for him.

She did, and he got the job.

So what did he tell her when she asked him to join the GOP?

"I don’t want to even address that," Simpson said.

I’m not sure he can avoid it this election season.

Herald Writer Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or

jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

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