By Kevin Hanson, The Courier-Herald

The question of Pam Roach's residency - as it pertains to King County politics, at least - remains a mystery.

The county's top elections official heard two formal challenges to her claim of an Enumclaw residence Friday, but said he won't announce a decision for perhaps two weeks.

At the heart of the issue is a rather simple question: where does the candidate for the District 9 seat on the Metropolitan King County Council actually live? Roach claims she and her husband reside in a large home just outside Enumclaw, and they have paid rent since June to share the home with its owners. On Friday, it was announced the Roaches have put money toward the home and intend to buy.

Both challengers claim Roach moves about the region, landing temporarily at addresses that fit her political aspirations at the time. One skeptic has claimed her formal, permanent residence is the Green Valley Road home she and her husband still own and are providing, rent-free, to one of their children. Another challenger maintains the Roach's official residence is a Sumner home they purchased last year.

Roach has complained the whole thing is akin to a political witch hunt and that she is now living at the rural Enumclaw address, making her a viable candidate for the King County post.

Roach and two fellow Republicans - Enumclaw minister Steve Hammond and former state representative Phil Fortunato - are gunning for their party's nomination. September's primary election will determine which of the three will advance to November's general election.

Hammond currently fills the office, having been appointed by the other dozen members of the County Council following the death of Councilman Kent Pullen. The general election winner will fill the remaining two years of Pullen's term.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com