ChangMook Sohn Announces for State Treasurer, Race Gets Hot

Multiple sources are reporting this morning that ChangMook Sohn, the director of the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, has announced his bid to run for State Treasurer. Sohn, the state's chief economist, will run as a Democrat, and according to his website will tout his economic bona fides and bipartisan stature in his race for the office.

"I know Washington's finances better than anyone and I'm ready to put that knowledge to work for the people of Washington," Sohn said in a release announcing his candidacy.

Sohn's entry sets up what looks to be a serious race for the position. The Democratic primary will see Sohn pitted against State Rep. Jim McIntire (D-46), also a noted economist and former UW teacher who is chair of the Washington Economic and Revenue Forecast that Sohn heads. McIntire's website also lists the endorsement of nearly every major state legislator, including Reps. Frank Chopp and Lynn Kessler and Senate Majority Leader and noted economist Lisa Brown. But perhaps an even more significant roadblock to the nomination is McIntire's fundraising. He has already brought in over $61,000, with some $45,000 on hand.

Waiting for the Democratic primary winner in the general election looks to be Assistant State Treasurer Allan Martin who is currently the only Republican running. Martin, the former Chelan County Treasurer, has his own long list of endorsements, including a vast majority of the state's county treasurers as well as outgoing State Treasurer Mike Murphy. Martin has raised over $31,000 for his bid so far, with $29,000 on hand.