Rep. Maralyn Chase, D-Edmonds, almost made it through the extended party filing deadline, Aug. 6, without a challenger.
That is, until newcomer Scott Schille, R-Edmonds, filed at the last minute.
Schille, 25, is running against an incumbent for Legislative District 32 State Representative Position 1.
His filing was so recent, in fact, that 32nd District Republican president Doug Timpe did not know he had filed as of Monday, Aug. 9.
“We don’t have a Republican running against Maralyn Chase,” Timpe said. “I don’t know him [Schille].”
Jason Chambers, regional campaign coordinator for the House of Republicans, said he was the person who recruited Schille. He was looking to draft a candidate and thought Schille, who he knew from the University of Washington’s College Republicans, might be interested.
“When I finally called him, he was excited,” Chambers said. “He was looking forward to the campaign.”
To file after the deadline, Chambers said a letter was written by Washington State Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance in order for Schille to file.
According to Sheryl Moss, certification and training manager for the Secretary of State’s office, the filing week starts the fourth Monday of July and lasts one week. Then political parties have an additional week to fill any offices no one filed for, and in order to do so, must provide a certificate of nomination. This is typically a letter accompanied by a valid declaration and filing fee.
Chambers said Schille is a strong candidate because he has a great interest in politics and was involved for two years at the University of Washington’s College Republican organization, where he held the office of secretary.
“He has a great interest for someone his age,” Chambers said. “We really like young candidates.”
Schille is currently taking a leave of absence from the University of Washington. He said he has done volunteer work for other campaigns, including Betty Neighbors, Gary Nelson and George Nethercutt.
“I have amazing energy and am incredibly decisive,” Schille said. “I know a lot of stuff for my age.”
Schille said he believes he will be able to reach out to his demographic by addressing such issues as jobs, taxes and education.
Chase also did not know who Schille was, but said she suspected he was a student.
“I wish I knew who he was,” Chase said. “Usually there is some track record; the only thing we could find is that there is a student by that name.”
Chase said this may be an opportunity for Schille to see what running in an election is like, which she supports. She said it is a shame, however, to have to spend money on the campaign.
Chase has served 1 1/2 terms, and has participated in three Legislative sessions. She is currently door belling and hopes to hit every house in the 32nd District twice.
“I hope everyone registers to vote,” Chase said. “This is the most important election of my life.”
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