The 2010 campaign season has been gearing up unofficially for some time, but everything took a serious turn last week when candidates throughout the state filed for office.
The five-day window for filing for a host of public offices ended Friday.
Local residents will have no shortage of candidates to consider before casting their ballots in the Aug. 17 primary election and the Nov. 2 general election. While there are no city council or school board races locally, there’s plenty of keep political junkies satisfied.
31st Legislative District
These three races could be fiery at times, as a mix of incumbents, experienced campaigners and political newcomers make the scene.
The Senate post has longtime veteran Pam Roach seeking another four years in office. She’s being challenged within her party by Sumner’s Matt Richardson. Challenging on the Democratic side will be a pair of Bonney Lake residents, Ray Bunk and Ron Weigelt.
Both of the district’s seats in the House of Representatives will be contested as well.
The Position 1 post will become occupied by a new House member, as incumbent Dan Roach is seeking another office. Looking to fill his spot are Republicans Shawn Bunney of Lake Tapps and Cathy Dahlquist of Enumclaw, along with Democrat Peggy Levesque of South Prairie.
The Position 2 House seat has incumbent Christopher Hurst running under a slightly different banner, adding a second word to his political designation. Displeased with the infighting in Olympia, the Greenwater resident is listed as an Independent Democrat. He is opposed by Republicans Daniel Geske of Bonney Lake and Patrick Reed of Sumner.
Area residents living in Pierce County will choose a new representative to the County Council. Shawn Bunney cannot run again due to term limits. Dan Roach is seeking the seat, challenged by fellow Republican Nicola McDonald of Orting and Democrat Pat McEligott, also of Orting.
Local voters will help select one of Washington’s members in the U.S. Senate, deciding a race dominated by incumbent Democrat Patty Murray and Republican challenger Dino Rossi. Thirteen other candidates make for a crowded field.
The region also sits in the Eighth Congressional District where incumbent Republican Dave Reichert is being challenged in his own party by Ernest Huber and Tim Dillon. Democrats on the ballot are Suzan DelBene, Keith Arnold, Tom Cramer and Boleslaw “John” Orlinski. Robin Adair filed with the Independent Party and Caleb Love Mardini filed with no party preference.
Washington’s August primary election will again feature the Top 2 system, where the two candidates receiving the most votes – regardless of party affiliation – advance to the general election. That usually results in a Democrat squaring off against a Republican, but that’s not guaranteed.
