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Dicks had the hook
Congressional sources tell Fox that three high-powered House Democrats leaned on Hillary Clinton to end her campaign this week, even though she was at first vague about the timeline for her departure.

The three Democrats who prodded Clinton to formulate and then announce a specific exit plan were, according to Democrats familiar with the situation, Reps. Charles Rangel of New York, Barney Frank of Massachusetts, and Norm Dicks of Washington. (Major Garrett, Fox News)

Could Gregoire be the one?
Gov. Chris Gregoire is on the list of contenders to be the United States' first female president, a roster receiving new attention Wednesday in the aftermath of Sen. Hillary Clinton's defeat in the Democratic nomination race. (Adam Wilson, The Olympian)

Or will she work for Obama?
With Barack Obama sealing up the Democratic nomination, some people are letting their imaginations take nice little walks into fantasy. (Brad Shannon, The Olympian)

There’ll be a race after all
The county will have a race for the auditor's position.

Silverdale's John Clark, a Republican, filed Wednesday to run against Democrat Walt Washington for the remaining two years of former auditor Karen Flynn's term. (Kitsap Sun)

One more jumps in
Craig Williams, a Vancouver energy trader, filed Wednesday for the Clark County Commissioner seat being vacated by Betty Sue Morris. He is one of seven candidates, including five Republicans, who have announced their intent to run for the seat. (The Columbian)

Careful what you post
So says a veteran political consultant, who ran across these pictures of Josh Hulburt, a Republican who filed today to run against incumbent state Rep. Chris Hurst, D-Enumclaw.

The pictures just scream, "I wanna represent you in the Legislature!", don't they? (Joe Turner, The News Tribune)

New mayor in Ruston an old face
Ruston’s newest mayor is no stranger to the town’s political scene.

Two days after Michael Transue resigned, the Town Council appointed Bob Everding, a retired college dean who had served on the council until January. (Scott Fontaine, The News Tribune)

Will McCain be a good fit for independents?
John McCain has already visited Washington once this spring, and it undoubtedly will not be the last voters will see of the Arizona Senator and presumptive Republican presidential nominee. The Republican National Committee has sent a Victory Director to the Evergreen State to coordinate state and national campaigns, with Washington being one of just nine swing states nationwide to receive that designation. (Bryan Bissell, PolitickerWA.com)

Paul’s people allege McCain dirty tricks
Today, I've heard from quite a few Ron Paul supporters who went to the state Republican convention and aren't too happy about what transpired near the end. As I posted about earlier, Paul supporters are alleging that McCain's delegates pulled some dirty tricks to try to end the convention. (Niki Sullivan, The News Tribune)

Two from Chelan headed to St. Paul
WENATCHEE — Washington will send 33 John McCain-favoring delegates to the National Republican Convention Sept. 1-4 in Minneapolis, including two from Chelan County. (Rick Steigmeyer, Wenatchee World)

Wait for me!
Democratic National Committeeman Ed Cote of Vancouver pledged his support to presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama Wednesday and said he hopes the Illinois senator will choose Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as his running mate. (Kathie Durbin, The Columbian)

Careful what you wish for
A citizens committee formed to discourage unfair ads and campaign tactics in state judicial campaigns could have unwanted effects on free speech, an Olympia lawyer said this week. (Shannon, The Olympian)

Ruby Chow, Seattle political pioneer, dies
Ruby Chow was instantly recognizable, a larger-than-life character whose strong-willed activism earned her the title of matriarch of Seattle's Chinese community. (Stuart Eskenazi, Seattle Times)

With the PolitickerWA.com Wake-Up Call e-mailed to your inbox, phone, Blackberry or PDA first thing in the morning, you can get a rundown of Washington's top political headlines. Sign up to get the Wake-Up Call delivered every morning.