SNOHOMISH – Democratic activists in the 44th Legislative District have endorsed Lillian Kaufer over Steve Hobbs as their choice to take on incumbent Republican state Sen. Dave Schmidt this fall.
In a meeting Thursday night, Kaufer garnered 32 of the 51 votes cast by elected precinct committee officers and dues-paying members of the party. Hobbs received one vote, while 18 people wanted to endorse both candidates.
“This is a really good vindication for me,” Kaufer said Friday. “A lot of negative comments have been made about me and my campaign. This shows the support is there.”
Thursday’s action does not preclude Hobbs from running as a Democrat in the September primary. It means Kaufer can campaign as the preferred candidate of the leaders of the party in the legislative district that includes the cities of Snohomish, Mill Creek and Lake Stevens.
Kaufer also can seek the formal backing of the Snohomish County Democratic Party.
Hobbs on Friday downplayed the vote. He said the executive board of the 44th District group recommended a dual endorsement, and he thought that would be the outcome.
“This stuff happens all the time,” he said. “I will go back next month and ask them to endorse me, too, and it shouldn’t be any problem.”
Hobbs, of Lake Stevens, entered the Senate race in February and appeared to be the party’s likely torchbearer against Schmidt.
Hobbs picked up an endorsement and $700 from Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. He also received money from several unions and $1,400 from powerful Democratic state Sen. Margarita Prentice.
Kaufer, a Snohomish resident and political newcomer, entered the race in early March. A member of Citizens for a Better Mill Creek, she earned attention for her opposition to a new Wal-Mart store in the Mill Creek area.
Her philosophy is more liberal than Hobbs’, as evidenced by her winning endorsement from the Progressive Caucus of Snohomish County Democrats.
“He’s got powerful people backing him who are from outside the district. I’m the grass-roots girl,” Kaufer said.
Last year, Hobbs found himself in a similar situation when he ran for Snohomish County Council in the 5th District. Democrats endorsed Dave Somers over Hobbs. Many thought Hobbs would drop out, but he didn’t. He eventually lost to Somers in the primary.
Mark Hintz, chairman of the Snohomish County Democratic Party, said he would not try to talk Hobbs out of the Senate race.
“Steve must decide if he feels he can win the votes without the support of the legislative district Democrats,” Hintz said.
“I think it is important for Steve to take a look at what’s good for the party. If we get an opportunity to chat, I will make that point.”
The state Democratic Party will stay out of the race if it is a contested primary, party spokesman Viet Shelton said.
Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
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