SOUTH COUNTY POLITICS: A big year for legislative elections

  • By Evan Smith Enterprise political writer
  • Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:35pm

State legislative positions look interesting for 2010.

Voters in the 21st, 32nd and 44th districts each will elect a state senator and two representatives.

In the 1st District, where Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe is in the middle of her term, the two state representative positions could be the most interesting in South Snohomish County because one and possibly both House seats could be open due to retirement.

Rep. Al O’Brien announced at the beginning of this term that it would be his last. Rep. Mark Ericks could be joining him if he becomes U.S. Marshal for Western Washington. Ericks was in Washington, D.C., last month interviewing for the position. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray has proposed Ericks for the position.

The 1st District includes Mountlake Terrace, Brier and Bothell.

In the 21st District, Republican candidates are already actively campaigning against Reps. Marko Liias and Mary Helen Roberts. Tea Party activist Elizabeth Scott has been promoting her campaign against Liias since last summer. Mukilteo businessman Ed Borey kicked off his campaign against Roberts two weeks ago. At the time, a spokesman for Borey told me that several Republicans were considering a run for state Senate against Shin.

Republicans face tough challenges. Liias, Roberts and Shin all won their last elections with more than 60 percent of the vote.

The 21st District includes Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mukilteo.

In the 32nd District, the Democratic Committee will have a nominating convention tonight, April 14, to choose the candidates it will support. The positions held by Democratic State Sen. Darlene Fairley, and Democratic state Reps. Maralyn Chase and Ruth Kagi will be on the ballot. Republicans often have a hard time finding candidates in an area that hasn’t elected a Republican since 1968. Still, there may be competition among Democrats. Fairley long has been unpopular among the Party organization, which backed an opposing Democrat four years ago.

The 32nd District includes Edmonds, Woodway and North King County.

In the 44th District, Rep. Mike Hope, the only Republican legislator from the Enterprise coverage area, will be on the ballot, as will Democratic state Rep. Hans Dunshee and Democratic state Sen. Steve Hobbs. Hobbs will get a challenge from the man he defeated four years ago, former Republican state Sen. Dave Schmidt.

The 44th District includes Mill Creek, Snohomish and Lake Stevens.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@verizon.net.

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