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Politics & Government

Smith on Politics: 32nd Legislative Challengers Start Far Behind in Money

Opponents question support for Siegfried in 46th

Republicans say they will announce early next week which candidates they support in the 32nd Legislative District, but whoever the candidates are, they will start the campaign far behind incumbent Democratic State Reps. Ruth Kagi and Cindy Ryu in fundraising, Republicans in the Snohomish County part of the District met May 1 in Lynnwood to discuss possible candidates.

A few days later, Robert Reedy of Mountlake Terrace told me that he would run against Ryu, with the party’s approval, but Snohomish County 32nd District Chairwoman Rebecca Wible told me later that day that she was waiting until all candidates have declared and she has discussed strategy with District Republican officials in King County before announcing endorsements

Reedy told me Tuesday that the party’s decision isn’t yet final.

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Reedy last year ran an unsuccessful challenge against Mountlake Terrace City Councilwoman Michelle Robles.

Republicans who run against Ryu and Kagi will start with a big financial disadvantage, especially against Ryu.

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Neither Reedy nor any other Republican has registered with the State Public Disclosure Commission, a step that allows candidates to raise and spend money for the August primary and November general election.

Ryu has registered with the PDC and has reported raising $43,328 and spending $14,865.

She will be a candidate for a second two-year term. She won an open seat in 2010.

Shoreline City Councilwoman Doris McConnell, who ran against Ryu in the 2010 primary, said Tuesday that she believes Ryu will do all she can to win re-election.

Kagi has reported raising $9,102 with no campaign spending. No opponent has registered an intent to run against Kagi. who will seek an eighth term.

Candidates file for ballot positions next week.

The top two vote getters in the Aug. 7 primary advance to the Nov. 6 general election.

Redistricting has put Lynnwood and part of Mountlake Terrace into the 32nd District along with Shoreline, Woodway, south Edmonds, nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County and part of northwest Seattle. Lake Forest Park and Kenmore have moved from the 32nd to the 46th Legislative District.

Opponents question support for Siegfried

Democratic precinct committee officers in the 46th Legislative District have voted to support candidate Sarajane Siegfried for the position that retiring State Rep. Phyllis Kenney now holds.

Two other Democratic candidates for the position question that support.

Democratic candidate Shelly Crocker notes that at the mid-April meeting, the PCOs picked the official Party candidate as required by State party rules, but said Tuesday that it was a result of the PCOs picking one of their own, and that she expects a different result if all dues-paying Democrats from throughout the District meet to endorse candidates. She also noted an endorsement from Democratic State Rep. Ruth Kagi, whose 32nd District used to include Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, which now are part of the 46th District

A third Democratic candidate, Dusty Hoerler, said that his support from labor organizations would provide key help in doorbelling and phonebanking.

A fourth Democratic candidate, Jessln Farrell had not responded Wednesday,

Republican Joseph Morton also is seeking the position

Candidates file starting Monday.

The top two vote getters in the Aug. 7 primary advance to the Nov. 6 general election.

The District includes northeast Seattle, Lake Forest Park and Kenmore.

District PCOs also voted to support appointed Democratic State Rep. Gerry Pollet over Democratic  challenger Sylvester Cann and to support Democratic State Sen. David Frockt, who has no announced opponents in the election for the last two years of the position that he holds by appointment.

About this column: Journalist and Shoreline resident Evan Smith has covered local issues for nearly two decades. His politics column appears on Patch every other week.


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