LD8

Republican Skip Novakovich, a Kennewick businessman, has said that he will formally announce his candidacy for retiring Rep. Shirley Hankins' seat in the 8th District in the coming weeks.  

He joins Rick Jansons, Brad Klippert and Steve Simmons in the race. Novakoviach, who had worked on many of Hankins' campaigns in the past, was critical of their decision to  toss their hats in before she officially decided to retire last week.

“I’m kind of surprised, really,” Novakovich said. “It’s almost like a slap in the face to her. She’s making a tough decision.”

Chris Mulick at the Tri-City Herald got the story and has more details here. 

Rep. Shirley HankinsThe Tri-City Herald has video footage from Rep. Shirley Hankins' (R-Richland) press conference Wednesday where she made her retirement from the state House of Representatives official. Most notable, though, is Hankins' thoughts on the legislature, and the unforgiving words she has for her own Republican Party.

Hankins was also critical of a number of state policies, most notably the budget. She complained that Republican insistence on lower taxes is nice and all, but does nothing for the long term status of the state.

After months of teasing the press about whether or not she would run for re-election to at 13th term, the Tri-City Herald reports that Rep. Shirley Hankins has announced that she will indeed retire. During the last legislative session Hankins was the third longest serving member in the House.

Her exit leaves four candidates in the race for the 8th District seat, Republicans Brad Klippert, Steve Simmons and Rick Jansons, and Democrat Carol Moser.

Rep. Larry Haler (R-Richland)Former Richland Mayor Rob Welch will announce today that he is seeking Rep. Larry Haler’s seat in the 8th District. Both candidates are Richland Republicans.

"I appreciate the many friends and family members that have convinced me that the way to make a difference on the issues that are important to our community is to continue to serve as an elected official of our district," Welch says on his website. He looks to run on a general platform of"more efficient, less intrusive, government."

TCH’s Chris Mulick, who broke the story, adds this bit of analysis to the matchup:

“It could be an interesting campaign. Haler and Welch served on the council together and Haler, himself a former mayor, has not hid his contempt.”

UPDATED: Mulick has more on his blog after speaking with both candidates. This looks like it could be a heated race, verbally at least. Here is a sampling at some of the things the two had to say about each other on the phone to Mulick.

Chris Mulick is reporting that recently announced 8th LD Democratic candidate Carol Moser is expecting incumbent Rep. Shirley Hankins to retire. Hankins has yet to officially make her plans known.

“My deepest sense was she wasn’t going to run," said Moser, who has consulted with Hankins a number of times. "But it’s anybody’s guess.”