Harriet Spanel

Chris Mulick at the Tri City Herald reports that two of the state's legislative races have changed their complexion in recent days. In the 40th District, where seven candidates are vying for retiring Sen. Harriet Spanel's seat, now former Democrat Steve Hopley, the Commissioner of the Port of Anacortes, has changed his party affiliation from Democrat to independent leaving himself, five Democrats and one Republican to fill out the race.

Meanwhile, 5th District Democrat Jon Viebrock (D-Carnation) originally filed to challenge Rep. Glenn Anderson (R-Fall City) but has now decided to instead seek Rep. Jay Rodne's (R-North Bend) seat in position #1.

The Bellingham Herald is reporting that the race for retiring Sen. Harriet Spanel's seat in the 40th LD has grown by two already this week.

The coordinator of Whatcom for Obama, Stephanie Kountouros (D-Bellingham), and a 22-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol, Paul Gonzales (D-Mount Vernon) are the latest entrants into a contest that now has six candidates.

Paul Gonzales' press release announcing his candidacy can be seen here.

With the entry of former Republican State Rep. Steve Van Luven into the race to succeed retiring State Sen. Harriet Spanel, the field becomes more and more crowded by the day.  read more »

Long-serving Democrat Harriet Spanel (D-Bellingham) will not seek re-election to her Senate seat in the 40th district that covers parts of San Juan, Whatcom and Skagit County. The Everett Herald reports that the 22-years veteran of state politics no longer had the "gut level" feeling to stay in Olympia.

No other candidates have announed intentions to seek her vacated seat.